Program looks educate those at risk of heart conditions before it is too late
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Canada and those working with a program in North Battleford designed to help those cope with conditions hope people will sign up before it is too late.
Heart to Heart is a program provided through the Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) designed to help those affected by heart attacks and other heart conditions. The five-week program teaches signs and symptoms, proper diet, prescription drug education, how to handle stress and safe exercise.
Kellie Heidel is a diabetes educator and cardiac teacher for the PNHR. She runs Heart to Heart and wants to expand her clientele to not just those who have already suffered a heart-related medical emergency, but to those who are at risk.
“We are creatures of habit where we don’t fix anything until it is broken,” Heidel said. “A lot of times it’s really hard because you think it’s not going to happen to me. Everyone we get in here was shocked. They thought it was going to be their neighbour. That’s where people struggle going into the classes before something happens.”