Dr Anna Rolleston The Cardiac Clinic

This month, instead of trying to persuade you like I always do that better health leads to a better life, I thought I'd let someone else do the talking for once.

There is nothing like a ‘real' story is there? I often say that busy people, going about their lives are complacent about their health because health is not often at the forefront of their minds. I, on the other hand see, every day, the harsh reality of lives changed forever due to conditions that are often preventable. My reality is therefore different to most of yours (thank goodness), but I don't want my reality to become yours, hence my continuous ranting about leading a healthier lifestyle and being proactive in that respect. You have reprieve until next month. Here is Geoff's story:

I have always considered myself reasonably fit. I'm a non-smoker who has lived really well. After years of teaching, one day after school I began to feel very unwell and it was then I found out that I had a cardiac fibrillation. After tests it was discovered that my cholesterol level was very high, along with my blood pressure. I needed to take medicine to help me survive and the side effects were not great. Prior to this I was very active as a dancer three nights a week but after the event walking caused too much pain. I was concerned about my fitness and was unsure what to do to get better.

I saw one of Anna's articles and I knew this would be the right place for me. The first few weeks were really hard. I could barely manage three minutes on the treadmill and at the end of the 12-week programme I was able to walk for 10-15 minutes. Because of the extreme improvement in my life, I decided to continue on the programme. It would have been a disservice to myself to stop. I have been on the maintenance programme for a year and will continue. I am given goals to extend my abilities and I like the friendly and encouraging atmosphere.