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  • Heartmoves for Stroke Survivors

    23 November, 2011

    Media Release

    Heartmoves for Stroke Survivors

    Maintaining a healthy lifestyle following a stroke is as important as it is prior to a stroke event. To this end the Heart Foundation has partnered with the National Stroke Foundation to make the Heartmoves exercise program more attractive and appropriate for stroke survivors.

     “This partnership has developed a new nationally accredited training course, providing Heartmoves leaders with additional skills and knowledge on how the health teams are currently managing stroke survivors,” said Tony Thirlwell, Heart Foundation NSW – CEO.
     
    “Participation in physical activity after stroke is important and can help survivors lead a healthy and happier life as well as reducing their chances of having another stroke. Many survivors are left with complex physical and cognitive problems after stroke which makes participation in regular exercise programs difficult, but now the Heartmoves program will help make exercise accessible” says Dr Erin Lalor, National Stroke Foundation CEO.
     
    Building on the Heart Foundation’s successful Heartmoves exercise program, and using the National Stroke Foundations’ expertise in stroke, this new initiative equips Heartmoves leaders with strategies specifically designed to benefit stroke survivors.
     
    “The new program will give Heartmoves instructors the opportunity to work with stroke survivors through movement and exercise that can be tailored so that individuals can work at their own pace,” said Mr Thirlwell.
     
    Heartmoves exercise providers can continue their learning and professional development with this new nationally accredited course. It will also be available online, providing rural and remote leaders with easy access.
     
    “Heartmoves for Stroke will provide health professionals managing stroke survivors with a safe and evidence based referral destination for their clients, following rehabilitation,” said Mr Thirlwell.
     
    Heartmoves programs focus on delivering safe, low-to-moderate intensity exercise incorporating aerobic activity, weight-bearing or resistance exercise, stretching and balance components – all of which help to build strength and fitness as well as improve balance.
     
    The Heart Foundation would welcome expressions of interest from existing Heartmoves trainers to take part in this nationally accredited training module. To find out more about Heartmoves for Stroke visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/heartmoves or call 1300 362 787.
     
    ENDS
     
    Media Contacts
    Heart Foundation: Julia Southgate 02 9219 2426 / 0478 313 656
    National Stroke Foundation: Ebru Yaman 03 9670 1000 / 0488 380 484
     
    About the Heart Foundation: The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world-
    class cardiovascular research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular disease. For further information visit www.heartfoundation.org.au or call 1300 362 787.
     
    About the National Stroke Foundation: The National Stroke Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to stop stroke, save lives and end suffering and is the only national charity in Australia dedicated exclusively to stroke. For more information visit www.strokefoundation.com.au or call 1800 STROKE (1800 787 653).