Bailiff takes lead in heart campaign

BAILIFF Geoffrey Rowland rolled up his sleeves to play a full part in the Healthy Hearts open day at Beau Sejour on Saturday. Mr Rowland, who performed the official opening ceremony, went on to sample the various health tests and activities on offer.

'A healthy heart and heart education are absolutely vital,' said Mr Rowland.

He said people could help both themselves and the well-being of the community by taking simple steps to look after their heart.

And after taking blood pressure and cholesterol tests, having a blood sample taken and checking his fitness on an exercise bike, he said the open day had been the ideal chance to do just that.

'It is essential for the Department of Health to get across the healthy lifestyle message and they have played their part,' he said.

'I hope I have set the example by doing just that,' he added.

Health and Social Services member Hunter Adam gave Mr Rowland a CPR demonstration on a resuscitation mannequin before paramedic tutor Graham Le Maitre and Health Studies Institute trainer Mike Froome demonstrated to an audience how to administer the procedure in the event of an emergency.

Deputy Adam said it was admirable that Mr Rowland had lent his support to the prevention of heart diseases.

'We are delighted that the Bailiff attended this excellent event and the importance of healthy eating and looking after oneself cannot be emphasised enough,' he said.

Co-ordinator Gerry Le Roy said the day could have helped many people make vital lifestyle changes by educating them to the benefits of a healthy heart.

'We are really very pleased with the number of people who have turned up, especially the number of families,' said Mrs Le Roy.

Grandmother Dorothy Trebert took her 20-month-old grandson, William Montgomery, and said she had been very impressed.

'We have had a lovely morning. We went to Kiddie Kapers and then looked at all the fruit and vegetables.

'It is so important that youngsters get used to a healthy lifestyle so that it becomes a normal part of their lives,' said Mrs Trebert.

Many of those who attended undertook a free medical screening in the David Ferguson Hall.

'We could have picked up raised blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels which could help identify diabetes and potential cardiovascular diseases,' said Mrs Le Roy.

The open day included swimming, sports taster sessions, gym inductions, cookery demonstrations and face painting and balloon modelling for children.

Health Department staff and Beau Sejour instructors administered free health and fitness tests.

June Smith, 75, who went with her 80-year-old husband, Ian, said the health checks had been an excellent idea, particularly for the elderly.

Deputy Culture and Leisure minister Claire Le Pelley agreed.

'We all treat our health in such a casual way until something happens and this is all about learning to treat your body better for better health later on,' she said.

She said because the event had been well publicised, she expected an increase in the number of those who took a free cholesterol test on the 302 who took part at the previous open day.

'The aim of the day is to make healthy choices easy choices, and to give people the opportunity to discover what healthy choices there are in the community,' said Mrs Le Roy.

Beau Sejour business development manager Sam Herridge said the open day had been designed to increase public awareness of what the centre had to offer and encourage them to get involved.

'The simplest things can make a difference and we have the community facilities to do that in,' she said.