Healthy Heart Challenge 2012
 
Vicki Wade
Loving your family means loving your heart
 
My story, like many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women, is common. I have a long family history of heart disease; in fact, in my family we call the condition the ‘Hayward heart’. It worries me that 90% of women have at least one risk factor for heart disease - and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women it’s usually multiple risk factors. That’s why I got involved in the Healthy Heart Challenge in 2011, I wanted to let other women know how important their heart health is and I wanted to lead by example.

My Healthy Heart Challenge goal was to ‘be active every day’. I’ve never liked spandex or gyms – they make me feel uncomfortable - so I chose to walk at home on my treadmill. As a woman in her 50s I thought it would be difficult to reach my goal, but with the encouragement and advice from the Go Red for Women team, I was able to set achievable targets that fit into my lifestyle and stay motivated. Each day exercising got a little easier and after a few weeks I was losing weight, feeling great and was proud of myself. Knowing I was doing my best to keep my heart healthy meant I was doing my best to ensure I’d be there to care and support my family for years to come.

The Healthy Heart Challenge gave me the kick-start I needed to take control of my heart health. My advice to women, especially fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women, is to stop procrastinating and give it a try – you’ll love it. Getting involved is easy, grab your mother, sister, aunt, friend or colleague and do it together. Register here and you’ll be on your way to a healthier heart.

National Aboriginal Health Unit: 02 9219 2468
 
Don’t let the stories end here. Make your own by taking part in the Healthy Heart Challenge this year. You can inspire other women by sharing your story today.