Quirindi Heartmoves targets chronic disease

8 March 2010

Quirindi Health Service has entered into a new partnership with Liverpool Plains Shire Council to provide the Heartmoves exercise program, targeting members of the Quirindi and district community who have chronic disease.

Heartmoves is a gentle physical activity program suitable for anyone who hasn't done any exercise in a while and is designed to be safe for people with stable long term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or obesity. Heartmoves is run by accredited exercise professionals specifically trained in managing safe, low to moderate intensity physical activity programs.

Rebecca Holland, Fitness Leader at Quirindi Recreation Centre, has been accredited to deliver the Heart Foundation Heartmoves program. This program has been developed by the National Health Foundation of Australia and is run in communities across Australia.

Taking part in regular Heartmoves sessions can help:
• lower blood pressure
• improve cholesterol control
• manage weight
• improve well being and quality of life
• manage diabetes
• improve balance and flexibility
• improve sleep
• improve bone mineral density with arthritis management
• prevent falls and injuries from falls
The Heartmoves group is conducted at the Quirindi Recreation Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10.30am. The Quirindi Community Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator, Robyn Leece, assists in the delivery of this program during the Wednesday session.
“Most people are aware that regular physical activity is good for your health, but you don't have to exercise at a vigorous level to achieve health benefits. Everyone is welcome to attend either one or both of the groups for an hour of gentle exercise and lots of fun,” Ms Leece said.
“The exercises can be modified to suit all ability levels and participants agree to exercise at the level at which they are comfortable.”
Cardiac Rehabilitation clients from Quirindi Community Health join the Heartmoves group as soon as they are able following their acute cardiac event and are supervised for six weeks. They are then encouraged to continue exercising with the group once they complete their acute rehabilitation.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation group is initially conducted separately to Heartmoves and will be held at Quirindi Recreation Centre on Thursday mornings, under the guidance of the Quirindi Community Health Physiotherapist and the Respiratory Educator. This program runs for eight consecutive weeks and participants are then encouraged to continue exercising by joining the Heartmoves program.

In conjunction with group exercise, all clients are encouraged to walk regularly, building up to 30 minutes daily. It is recognised that a “one size fits all” approach will not meet the needs of all people. For those who are not able to join the group, a flexible home exercise program is prescribed.

For further information regarding Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs please contact Quirindi Community Health Centre on 6746 0215. For further information regarding Heartmoves please contact Quirindi Recreation Centre on 6746 3122.

(HNE-2184)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: 6767 7135