Estate Living Magazine Smart Moves - Issue 38 February 2019 | Page 36

C O M M U N I T Y
L I V I N G
high cholesterol. Fifty per cent dropped out, but
those who stuck with the programme showed
significant weight loss, lowered cholesterol,
and increase in peak oxygen uptake (probably
largely due to cutting out the ciggies).
The programme was multi-pronged: diet,
exercise, stress management, and – possibly the
hardest one for the addicts – quitting tobacco.
Most importantly, it was not seen as an alternative
to medical treatment but as complementary.
Cardiac rehab is a combination of lifestyle
and medical interventions. It’s likely to involve
a team of experts including, but not limited
to, cardiologists, biokineticists, dieticians,
occupational therapists and/or psychologists.
And the good news for people living in residential
estates – most of which have networks of safe,
scenic walking paths – is that walking is possibly
one of the very best cardiac rehab exercises.
Bottom line
Cardiac rehab really works, and it’s never too late
to start. Find out more by chatting to your health
care provider, and check out the list of Heart
and Stroke Foundation-approved practitioners
(www.heartfoundation.co.za/heart-support-
directory).
The traditional Valentine ‘heart’ is not based
on the shape of an actual physical heart,
but on the shape of a woman’s butt – a very
perky woman’s butt. Which kind of works
anyhow, as the lifestyle choices for a healthy
heart are much the same as those to develop
– and keep – a perky butt.
Some guidelines
• Don’t blame yourself. Accept the changes
you need to make, but don’t give in to guilt.
• Take it slowly – it’s a long game.
• Don’t try to do it alone – accept the support
of family and friends, and the advice and
assistance of knowledgeable professionals.
• Listen to your heart – stop if you feel
remotely uncomfortable.
• Make it fun. Explore your estate or any
other safe, scenic spots, look at birds,
admire the scenery, learn to identify the
plants. Maybe get a dog.
Jennifer Stern