World Heart Day

Heart disease remains the world’s number one killer. In the last decade alone, deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) have nearly doubled. Up to 80% of premature CVD deaths are preventable through affordable access to care, early screening and more opportunities to make healthy choices in nutrition and stay active.

Each year, September 29 marks World Heart Day, and this year, it’s the 25 anniversary of the global campaign to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease.

Bellarine Community Health (BCH) has a range of affordable services and programs that can help prevent CVD like exercise programs and nutritional support. BCH also runs The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program which is an eight-week program to assist people who have suffered a heart attack, stents or heart surgery.

For more than eleven years, Heather Allan has been a cornerstone of the cardiac rehabilitation program at BCH, offering hope and support to people navigating life after a cardiac event. What began as a personal journey has evolved into a deeply meaningful volunteer commitment that has touched countless lives.

Heather’s involvement with the program started when her partner participated in the eight-week cardiac rehabilitation course, which combines education and exercise to help patients recover and rebuild confidence after heart-related health issues. Witnessing firsthand the program’s transformative impact, both Heather and her partner decided to give back by becoming volunteers, recognizing the immense value of having such vital support available in their local community.

The cardiac rehab program serves a crucial role, helping patients transition from the vulnerability of a cardiac event back to confident, active living. For many participants, particularly those who have been physically active throughout their lives, a heart condition can come as a devastating shock.

For Heather it’s the transformation she sees in clients that inspires her. “When people first walk in, you can see it on their face, that it’s all intimidating and overwhelming. The satisfying thing is to see them progress and become more confident in enjoying the program. By the time they finish their eight weeks, you can see the chest’s out and they’re walking more confidently.”

This visible transformation drives Heather’s continued dedication. “I want to be able to give back to this community,” she explains. “Seeing those results gives me self-esteem and confidence. It’s enjoyable to see that progress in other people and feel as if I’ve made a small contribution.”

Don’t miss a beat – just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can keep your heart healthy.

To learn more about the BCH cardiac rehabilitation program click HERE. 

To find out more about World Heart Day click HERE.

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