Over 30 people participated in their series of talks and screening opportunities. Men and women aged 17 – 75 years from all walks of life attended the sessions, which covered topics such as ways to get more exercise and good nutrition, quitting smoking, how to take charge of your own heart health, and what you need to do if you already have a heart problem.

Guyra Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator Sue Adams said it was a very successful program.

“I’d really like to thank the Guyra MPS nurses, who provided lots of assistance with the screening sessions.

“Tessa, Ineke, Deb, Julie, Kerry, Bridgett, Sue, Bronwyn and Helen all helped in taking the ECG’s (heart rhythm monitoring), blood pressure, weight measurements and blood sugar levels. People were really grateful for these checks.

“Participants were also given resource handout material on heart related conditions – such as chest pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking cessation, weight loss, exercise and more.

“With booklets and pamphlets provided by the Heart Foundation, all participants were able to take home a range of resources to aid them in having a Health Heart.

“Other things we did included watching a DVD from the National Heart Foundation called Heart Moves, which is about the sort of exercise people can do to keep their heart and body healthy.

“Being well informed about heart health, empowers members of the community to take charge of their own and their family’s heart health. Heart health strategies also improve just about every aspect of your life – from obesity to depression.

“Using these strategies will enable people to improve and maintain themselves, to live as well people,” Mrs Adams said.