City launch of natural approach to caring for your heart

A newly developed natural approach to cardiovascular care was launched by a team of Galway health care practitioners this week which they claim will enhance your heart health, help you avoid unnecessary medication and give a boost to your energy levels and vitality.

The Healthy Heart programme was devised by Dr Dílis Clare, GP and Medical Herbalist, along with SRN and acupuncturist, Áine Delaney; exercise physiologist James Tonery; and nutritional therapist Liz Nolan, nutritional therapist, who are based at the Integrated Health Clinic at Health and Herbs, Sea Road.

“Customers of Health and Herbs and patients of mine have been asking for an alternative and more holistic approach to their cardiovascular health,” said Dr Clare.

“With our educated population people are no longer content to just take medication for blood pressure or cholesterol, they want to change their lifestyles to have a positive impact and to prevent problems arising further down the line. We’ve had great feedback to date having piloted the programme over the last six months and we are delighted with the results,” she said.

One third of all deaths in Ireland are caused by heart disease, as well as one fifth of premature deaths – those of people under the age of 65. The Healthy Heart programme not only assesses the individual’s lifestyle and current medical condition but provides a personal eating plan as well as a suitable physical exercise routine.

The tests, using cutting edge technology, include B Pro Testing, blood tests for cholesterol, blood count, Vitamin D, thyroid, blood sugar levels etc. along with exercise assessments of various muscle groups and flexibility which are specific for cardiovascular fitness.

The Healthy Heart programme involves a scheduled appointment with each of the four health professionals. Guided by the reports from the three assessments, Dr Clare will discuss the results and help you to prioritise lifestyle changes that will alter a heart risk profile.

If you have concerns about breathlessness, stress, blood pressure or have a family history of heart disease or stroke contact the Healthy Heart team to make an appointment or to receive more information telephone 087 7965070 or 091-583260. View www.healthand herbs.ie for more information.