Heart health holds key for partnership

HEART health is in the spotlight.
MonashHeart director Professor Ian Meredith is concerned that the message about cardiac care isn’t getting through.
“I think it’s time we approached this from a different angle,” he said.
“It’s time we attacked this problem at a grassroots level, through our local communities and our local clubs.
“Many people live with heart problems without knowing until its way too late.
“Families are left devastated.”
So MonashHeart has partnered with Fitness First Glen Waverley, with a launch on Monday 6 May.
The partnership will benefit all past, present and future patients and staff at MonashHeart Dandenong, Casey and Clayton.
It will provide free community days for heart health checks, fundraisers for heart disease prevention, and education evenings where people can question a cardiologist and fitness professional.
“MonashHeart has always led in innovation, technology and new procedures and now we want to really take the community with us and have them lead the charge, too,” Prof Meredith said.
MonashHeart patient Frank Di Iorio, 42, was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 10 years ago and had a laser balloon procedure in May last year. Soon after the procedure, he joined the gym and lost 10 kilos.
“I now work out four times a week and have more energy to do more things,” he said.
There are free three-day passes available for Fitness First Glen Waverley to celebrate the launch.
Visit www.fitnessfirst.com.au/monash or www.facebook.com/heartstarters for more information.