The first steps to a healthy heart
THREE years ago Roger Bailey was, by his own admission, a heart attack waiting to happen.
He had diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a stressful job and he had been warned that heart trouble would inevitably follow if he did not take action to turn his health around.
"I knew I wasn't well and I was told I would have a heart attack if I carried on as I was. When someone says that to you, you take it seriously," he said. What Roger did was to join an exercise class in Brighouse, watch what he ate and lose weight. Two stones lighter and now retired, he feels he has been given a new lease of life and is now helping others to take positive steps to improve their health and fitness.
Roger is chairman of the Brighouse branch of CREW (Cardiac Rehabilitation through Exercise and Walking) Heart Support Group and vice-chairman of the Calderdale group.
"It is as much a question of confidence as anything else. I wasn't sure about what exercise I could take or how much I should do. By joining a class with 11 other people I was able to build my confidence up and gradually improve my fitness. My diabetes is now under control and I feel so much healthier than I did."
The Brighouse classes, which are now held at the Adult Education Centre in Church Lane, are one of the success stories of CREW. Since 2006, when the classes started in Brighouse, the numbers have risen steadily with a total of 192 people attending sessions this year. Classes are run by professional instructors and offer beginners' and advanced sessions as well as weight loss classes. As well as putting the emphasis on health and fitness, the group holds an extensive programme of social activities with trips, walks, barbecues and entertainment. A regular programme of countryside walks is organised by Brian Birkby.
"The social side is very important," said Roger. "If people think that coming along and getting fit is going to be a chore they are less likely to keep it up. Organising these activities is a way of bringing people together and offering mutual support. Some people come along for a few months until they have the confidence to continue on their own, others become regular members."
The longest-serving member of the Brighouse group is 81-year-old Keith Roberts who works hard to raise funds for the group. He helped to secure a grant of 2,000 from the Yorkshire Building Society for fitness equipment and recently raised 300 by selling plants. "I had a heart attack and would rather keep myself busy and active than dwelling on it," he said.
John Kelly, of Rastrick, Norma Fletcher, of Woodhouse, and Hugh Dean, of Brighouse all met through attending CREW classes in Brighouse. Said 73-year-old John: "I had a slight stroke five years ago and initally I attended an Upbeat exercise scheme organised by NHS Calderdale and Calderdale Council. When my 10 weeks were up, it was suggested that I come along to CREW classes and I've been attending ever since. I do two exercise sessions a week and I enjoy the 'craic' and the social side."
After triple heart by-pass surgery and a second pacemaker operation, 78-year-old Hugh needed help to get his motivation back. "It's not easy to take the first step and get back to taking exercise again. These classes help you regain your confidence."
CREW was founded in Halifax in 2000 and now has more than 350 members across Calderdale. Its patrons include Calder Valley MP Chris McCafferty and cardiologist Dr Tim Bloomer. The classes are aimed at people with heart problems and with conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, that could lead to heart problems. Referrals are through the Upbeat scheme or doctors.
For Roger, the key to the group's success is the sense of shared experience. "Everyone knows what you've been through because they've been through it themselves. We also welcome partners and family members because it can be a scary experience for them too. Having a heart attack is frightening and it really helps that there are people watching out for you."
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Weather for Halifax
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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