matter of the heart

Its Heart Week!!

Through out my entire journey the one thing that has helped me the most is the Heart Foundation. The heart foundation is the national leader in research into heart health and  heart disease in Australia. These guys have been a staple in my life ever since I was diagnosed in November 2016. They have so many great initiatives that are so fun to be apart of and the support from the heart community is incredible as well, I have met so many beautiful souls through their Supporting Young Hearts Program and their different events.

I volunteer in the long running Jump Rope for Heart program going out to schools and getting kids active through skipping while educating young minds about heart health, its a  win win!! I was so excited when I saw a chance to be even a small part of this amazing organisation. I remember participating in the Jump Rope for Heart when I was in primary school, and remember how much fun it was so I was really interested to be on the other side and actively making a difference!

The other thing that has me excited is that this week (29 April - 6 May) is Heart Week, another amazing initiative by the heart foundation shining a spotlight on Australia's heart health. This year they are focusing on the important of physical activity in relation to heart disease in the hope of empowering Aussies to get moving and ensuring they #dontgetthesits

Being active and getting my fitness back was a big part of my recovery after surgery. The rehab consultant had me up and in a chair 24-48 hours after surgery while I was still in ICU and as difficult as it was a vital step to getting back to my full capacity. I fully attribute my quick recovery to the laps of the hallways they made me do for the week and a half I was in hospital.

Don't underestimate the power physical activity has on your mental health as well as just your physical health, just 30 minutes outside in the sunshine does wonderful things for your brain and your soul, you become happier and more productive to be able to smash out your errands for the rest of the day!! The easiest way I have found is walking the dog it gives you company while keeping you accountable plus its always a bad of fun!!

So get behind Heart Week and support the Heart Foundation keep doing the incredible work they do for the Heart Community!

Jess xx