Heart-health programme launches to tackle high cardiovascular risk in Knowsley

Local TV

A six-month community project backed by Heart Research UK aims to support residents at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, offering nutrition guidance, physical activity sessions, and personalised coaching.

Transcript

00:00A group of Nosley residents are learning more about food, movement and their own heart health.

00:06It's part of a new six-month programme aiming to support adults aged between 31 and 75

00:11who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

00:15The project, funded by Heart Health Research UK, is delivered locally by Activate Body and Mind.

00:21We are really looking to improve the health of Nosley residents,

00:24so we focus on what we call our wellbeing triangle,

00:29so focusing on physical health, mental health and nutrition,

00:31so wrapping that all into one and bringing people into an environment really

00:35where they feel comfortable, they've got the social connection

00:39and they feel that they can really make a difference.

00:41The delivery team includes a nutritionist, personal trainer and psychotherapist

00:46providing a broad range of support for those taking part.

00:49The project, here at Highton ABC Boxing Gym, is a truly holistic approach to improving heart health.

00:54I'm hoping to make people feel more positive about themselves,

00:59obviously improve their health, make lifestyle changes, changes to the habits, what they do daily,

01:05so they feel better about health.

01:06Plus, this is funded through Heart Research UK.

01:10Obviously, we want to reduce the risks of heart disease, heart conditions.

01:14And if they've got high blood pressure, try and bring the blood pressure down, lower cholesterol.

01:20Figures included in the project outline show Nosley is one of the highest premature mortality rates

01:25for cardiovascular disease in the UK.

01:27It's listed as the 13th highest among 324 districts

01:32and also the 27th highest in England for premature cardiovascular mortality.

01:37Life expectancy in the borough is below the national average

01:40with higher emergency hospital admissions linked to heart disease.

01:44Janine's given me loads of really useful practical advice for my diet,

01:48but not stupid and unachievable.

01:51It's all stuff that I can do.

01:53I have nuts on my Weetabix every morning now.

01:57Yeah, and I'm messing really nice people here as well.

01:59So, yeah, it's been great.

02:01I'm not having to calorie count, if you know what I mean.

02:03I'm still eating the foods I enjoy,

02:05but it's just the case of being more aware of what you're doing.

02:08And then also, you know, it's feeling better than yourself

02:12and your own mental wellbeing.

02:13That's the most improving part of it for me is just like,

02:18you know, mentally I feel so much better

02:20than what I felt just when I started.

02:22The programme aims to respond to those challenges

02:24by combining practical skills, health education

02:26and emotional wellbeing support.

02:28Each week, participants are offered group sessions

02:31covering health, nutrition, workshops and physical activity

02:34delivered both in person and online.

02:37Alongside that, every participant receives

02:39two one-to-one coaching sessions

02:41to help them set achievable goals

02:43and overcome personal barriers.

02:45The first thing we ask is how do you feel,

02:47not what do you weigh,

02:48and I think that's a big difference.

02:51Organisers hope the sense of belonging

02:52created through the group sessions

02:54will help residents sustain healthier habits

02:57long after the six-month programme ends.

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