Walking back to full health

Cardiac patients have been given a virtual challenge to walk the length of the country to help with their rehabilitation programme.

As part of the ‘virtual walk’ from Mizen Head to Malin Head, organised by the Bon Secours Hospital, each patient received a pedometer to track their daily walking distance. If they walk 10,000 steps per day — the equivalent to 8km — it will take 79 days to complete the 632km walk.

Scientific evidence suggests that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes can reduce mortality by up to 25%.

The six-week programme, which aims at achieving a successful recovery from cardiac procedures, has seen unprecedented demand from patients in the past year. It provides lifestyle and exercise advice from doctors, nurses, nutritionists and physiotherapists. The patients also receive motivational speeches — this year’s guest speaker was GAA legend Mick O’Dwyer.

Consultant cardiologist Dr William Fennell said: “Long-term maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, including a carefully managed diet and exercise regime, is the key to successful recovery from cardiac procedures.”