CARDIOVASCULAR disease (CVD) is one of Australia’s biggest health issues, accounting for 24 per cent of deaths across the nation each year.
With an average of 120 Australians dying from CVD each day, Club Lake Cathie has joined the Heartbeat of the Community campaign led by Heartbeat of Sport, in partnership with Leagues Club Australia, to bring free heart health checks to the community.
As a community hub, the event is a natural fit for the club, according to club manager Rhys Birrane.
“People put off checking their heart health, often because life gets busy,” he said.
“This initiative makes it easy for our community to take a few minutes to check on their health and potentially prevent more serious issues down the track.”
For a free heart health check, visit Club Lake Cathie on 20 November between 2pm and 4pm, with no booking necessary.
On the Mid North Coast, residents can access resources from Heart Health NSW Inc, a not-for-profit community-based charity that supports cardiac patients, survivors, and their families.
Volunteers for the group provide peer support, education, information and encouragement to locals, including weekly walking groups in Laurieton, Wauchope and Port Macquarie.
With research showing that walking just 30 minutes per day can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 35 per cent, the organisation’s president Phil O’Donnell is keen to promote the benefits of regular exercise.
“Most of our members have had a heart event of some sort, or they are a carer for someone who has,” he said.
“Some members just like the company and others are aware that they need to stay reasonably fit to avoid such an event.
“We range in age from 50 to late 80s and each of the walks are around four kilometres, although most people walk a distance they are comfortable with. Anyone contemplating walking with one of the groups will always find someone to walk with.”
For information on heart health walks, contact Reg Wilkinson on 0400 143 182.
By Rachael THORPE
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