Change your lifestyle during Sunshine Coast Heart Week

Imagine you are 43-years-old, one day enjoying your life on the Sunshine Coast and the next day you find yourself in hospital after a sudden heart attack.

This is exactly what happened to school teacher Tim Blackman of Warana.

Tim said he remembers January 19, 2015 very well.

“It obviously came as a shock when I suffered the heart attack,” he said.

“To this day I still see it as a good day as I was able to turn my life around and start again.

“Up until this point I had no health issues, but was carrying some extra weight around my stomach – just like a good proportion of the Australian population.

“Two weeks after the heart attack I changed my life by water walking in the pool and now I go to the gym three times a week and squash once a week. I combined this by using nutrition and fitness apps to help me make better food choices.

“Over the past 12 months I have lost 41kg and currently feel the best I have in years.

“This hard work was done with the help and support of family, friends and my students who have been very encouraging to me to maintain my new health life choices.”

Tim’s story is just one of many people from across the Coast that have suffered from a serious heart disease.

Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said if you wanted to improve your health and wellbeing just like Tim, make sure you become involved in the Sunshine Coast Heart Week program of events from May 2 to 8.

“Heart Week shines a spotlight on Australia’s heart health,” Cr McKay said.

“In 2016, the Heart Foundation is promoting the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation programs for heart attack victims.

“Cardiac rehabilitation helps people get back on their feet and return to living an active and satisfying life after their heart event.

“Sunshine Coast Council has partnered with the health and wellbeing sector to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during Heart Week and to continue to maintain the number one ranking of the healthiest region in Queensland, as outlined in the 2015 Sunshine Coast Social Strategy.

“The inaugural Sunshine Coast Heart Week Expo on April 30 kicked off a week-long program of events across the region. From free Heart Foundation walks, bike rides, parkrun events, tennis clinics and fitness classes there is something for everyone.”

Visit council’s website www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search ‘health and wellbeing’ to download a Heart Week brochure to find out the free range of activities you can get involved in.