New bid to get people looking after their hearts
MATTERS of the heart are top of the agenda every February but it's life and death, not Valentine's Day, that health bosses are focusing on.
Every year around 240 people in Gloucestershire under the age of 75 die from coronary heart disease – one of the main causes of early deaths in the county.
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getting the message out there: Parbin Begum is one of eight heart activists.
With more men falling foul of the disease than women, health chiefs have launched a scheme to get them thinking more about looking after their hearts.
As part of the project eight people, known as heart activists, have been trained up to offer basic health checks to assess some of the main risks of heart disease, and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
This team has been selected from communities in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, where there is a higher rate of mortality from CVD, and where some of the causes, like smoking and obesity, tend to be more common.
Dr Nevila Kallfa, health improvement principal at NHS Gloucestershire, said: "While both men and women can suffer from cardiovascular diseases, like stroke, heart disease and diabetes, men are more likely to die early as a result. Men are also more likely to put off visiting their GP with health concerns.
"The aim of this project is to take the message out of the doctor's surgery and into the local community.
"We want to talk to men about their health in informal environments, like their local football or social club, and make sure they have the opportunity to get the advice they need to look after their heart."
Community organisations and businesses in Barton and Tredworth, Eastgate and Westgate, Lydney East and Cinderford are invited to contact the project team to find out more. Call Paul Rossiter on 07968 797 109.
8 Comments
by L_escalier
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 7:17PM
“It was starting to look like the session wasn't going to happen as five came around, but when I went back for chicken style Quorn pieces, there they were, waylaying customers at the barriers...”
by L_escalier
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 8:42AM
“If you want to know any more about today's session, the one at Gymnasian (on Friday, as I recall), or any other topical health matters, check out the Community Health Trainer's events page...
http://tinyurl.com/86a3zgd”
by L_escalier
Tuesday, March 27 2012, 3:56PM
“And a little extra bump with some additional info about the Family Fun Day at GL1 (across from Asda) on Saturday, 10am - 4pm. If anyone is wondering, as I was, how to 'pick up your passport', you need to fill in a form on the day. Simples!”
by L_escalier
Tuesday, March 27 2012, 9:17AM
“Bump for spreading the word about this before tomorrow.
Residents should also check out the new community initiatives notice board in Asda. They've introduced the green token scheme that Tesco have (or it may have been Waitrose, we popped up to the Cheltenham store last month to see what it was like), that lets you direct their charity donations.
Now if Asda could just make a little effort to sort out the rubbish in their alleyway, by Widden School/Bartongate Centre...”
by L_escalier
Tuesday, March 27 2012, 3:34AM
“No way did this article get anywhere near the front page again from just one comment so, stalker theory confirmed...
Barton residents might like to know, after previous sessions at the Friendship Café and Al Ashraf Centre were not advertised to the wider population, that there will be another chance to get cardiovascular health checks at Asda, between 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday, 28th of March.”
by L_escalier
Monday, March 26 2012, 2:52PM
“The comments can be like that, grannieannie2...”
by grannieannie2
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 9:24PM
“I see my comment came and.........went in a flash, less than a heartbeat”
by grannieannie2
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 9:23PM
“In the Forest there is a fantastic initiative for those affected by cardiac problems and the aftercare of heart surgery. It's called the Cardiac Rehab programme and helps those diagnosed or recovering from surgery get fit. My husband has benefited enormously and it's not a regimented programme, everyone is very friendly and goes at their own pace under the guidence of a superb leader (Lisa). Ask at your GP surgery for a referral - it's well worth it”