Boggabri's walking track is now more supportive

5 May 2010

A concerted effort by the Boggabri Wellness Group to raise funds to supply seating around a walking circuit of the town’s streets will come to fruition this week with an official opening.

“This has been quite a project and the members of the group have done a great job to raise the money we needed to purchase supportive seating,” Registered Nurse/Midwife at Boggabri Community Health Amanda Boxsell said.

“The seating will allow people who are not yet fit but need to walk to improve their health to have somewhere to rest if they get tired,” she said.

“We would like to publicly acknowledge the financial support of Whitehaven Mine, the Lions Club of Boggabri and the Narrabri Shire which has helped make this great idea a reality for the community,” Amanda said.

The Boggabri Wellness Group began in 2007 when health staff identified a valid need for cardiac rehabilitation options within Boggabri.

Amanda Boxsell, with the assistance of Area Cardiovascular Disease Coordinator Jane Kerr, developed a cardiac rehab service locally.

Topics covered included emotional wellbeing and mental health, exercise benefits, diet and nutrition, question and answer sessions with local general practitioner and pharmacist, sleep and relaxation; and basic anatomy and physiology regarding how the heart works.

The expertise and support of visiting health professionals has enhanced the program - including services from Community Nurse/diabetes education Deeanne Rankin and dietician Mia Winterton from Gunnedah.

The cardiac group has expanded to include people living with diabetes as well as those with pulmonary issues.

Participants have access to one-one-one consults with a dietician and a diabetes educator, if required.

Contact: Shannon Ramadge

Phone: 6767 7136