On Monday April 29 a team of cardiac nurses from the North West Hospital and Health Service took positive steps to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cardiac nurses at the NWHHS play a critical role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator Raelene Macnamara said the Heart Foundation walk was an opportunity to start a conversation about the risk factors for heart disease and the right steps to take, to reduce the risk.
"This year we're focusing on educating the community about heart health checks and what they involve, which patients should have a heart health check and why, and what steps patients can take to manage their risk of heart disease and stroke," Ms Macnamara said.
Colin Avery was one of many who took part in the walk.
"I was born and bred in Mount Isa and late last year I went into cardiac arrest and woke up four days later in the Intensive Care Unit in Townsville," Mr Avery said.
"When I returned to Mount Isa I started doing cardio with Raelene and haven't stopped. I was overweight when I started, I was 108kg now I'm down to 87kg."
"If it wasn't for Raelene and the Cardiac team I wouldn't be here," he said.
Keen walker Desley Jones has been part of the Heart Foundation walking group for more than two years now.
"I had diabetes and then cardiac team suggested I join the walking group. We normally walk about two kilometres and I absolutely love it," Ms Jones said.
"I'm always recruiting friends, telling them to come on down."
The Heart Foundation walking group meets every Monday at 9am at the Skate Park.
READ MORE: Hundreds expected at Gregory this weekend
