Bill
Bill's road to a healthy heart
Just a few weeks after cardiac surgery, Bill Ballantyne received information regarding the Green Prescription programme. At this time, he was attending a BEAT rehabilitation programme at the Hastings Hospital run by Pip Hutchinson.
The BEAT (Breathe Easy And Talk) exercise programme combines physical activity sessions and group education sessions for pulmonary rehabilitation patients, and is designed to educate and help recovery.
Bill and his wife Kath took part in the rehab sessions, which they both enjoyed.
As well as attending the weekly BEAT rehab sessions, Bill was prescribed a Green Prescription, which he stuck to, supported by Kath. They introduced a daily walk, doing a 5 kilometre circuit up to three times (or more) a week. As they have become fitter, they have extended their activity programme along the way.
Bill also does some additional activity at home and since the end of the cardiac rehab programme, he and Kath have continued to attend the SwimGym in Hastings as part of the BEAT group.
This programme was interlinked with the rehab course, by introducing the patients to their local gym at the end of their course. Gym staff closely monitor the patients and teach them how to use gym equipment and the pool. Initially, they attended an aqua jogging class one week and used the gym equipment the next, but now they go twice a week because they enjoy the aqua jogging so much and believe the benefits show in their health.
The Ballantynes have also made some changes to their diet, with more emphasis on fruit, vegetables and salads. They haven't lost a great deal of weight - 'only a few pounds in fact' - but Bill's cholesterol and blood pressure levels have dropped and they both feel much better and have more energy (and don't they look great!).
Bill has always been an advocate of physical activity, but admits he probably hasn't done as much as he should have over the past 10 years or so (he is now 72). However, since his heart problem, he would recommend the benefits of physical activity to all.
Bill is very thankful for the Green Prescription and BEAT programmes, which have put him on the road to doing plenty of activity, both at home and in the company of others. He is very appreciative of the support his wife and family have given him, and all those involved in the running of the programmes.
Bill would not hesitate to recommend to others the benefits of taking part in programmes like these.
Updated | 06 Jul 2006.
Skip page tools.
