News - 20th February 2009

On Friday 20th February 09 saw another excellent turn out by members albeit a cold but sunny morning, which incited a more rigorous workout by all who attended the sessions. With plenty of gossip to catch upon from the week much jovial talk was evident during the “cooling down” period over that most welcomed cup of tea and the formation of Phase 3 members for their medical checks prior to exercise.

Members were also activated into their very best exercise mode as Barrie Thomas was updating and making another DVD of our activities for future information & guidance for those 2,800 patients in Pembrokeshire that are awaiting Heart Surgery.

Our Cardiac Nursing Specialist has declared Friday 13th March 09 will be another extraordinary day in our Rehabilitation calendar as all monies collected for raffles & donations on this day will be for “Comic Relief” and has requested members don something ridiculous or funny for the occasion, (some members are already doing this).

It goes without saying, Social Health is an important an integral part of Cardiac Recovery or indeed any other chronically diagnosed health problem, albeit you may not recognise the need if you already have a good social network of friends and neighbours. However, lack of social contact can have a negative impact on both mental & physical health. There is a connection between social isolation and chronic disease, but the link and effects aren’t yet clear. Being around other people and forging friendships in times of uncertainty can have a wonderful effect on general well being. This comes across very strongly during conversation with our Cardiac Members and in support groups such as our Fishguard Cardiac Rehabilitation Group, which do increase feelings of security and confidence gained from shared experiences, in particular those living on their own or in isolated areas. Happiness and contentment plus physical exercise in ones personal life are real tonics to help overcome many trials and tribulations that we are faced with nowadays. Support from our Cardiac Nursing Specialist & BACR Fitness Instructors also enables a daily advancement to better well being and back on the long road to recovery after a Cardiac event, to whom we are more than grateful.

Raffle tickets for the Grand Draw are selling well, and will be drawn at the Fishguard Leisure Centre on Friday 3rd April 09 at 12.00 noon, officiated by the Mayor of Fishguard & Goodwick, Cllr David Williams. Our sincere gratitude to all the local businesses that have donated so many wonderful prizes for the event.

Our next meeting of Terry and his Pacemakers will be on Friday 27th February 09 with the first session starting at 0930. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes before starting exercises so that medical checks are made. For more information either contact Terry Grover on 01239 820607 or John Palmer on 01348 872240 or indeed why not visit our website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.