HSA Opens Peer Support Group in Wonthaggi

Heart Support Australia (HSA) is opening a Peer Support Group in Wonthaggi on Tuesday 13 February, giving post-heart event support for cardiac patients in the area.

The HSA Peer Support Groups are unique communal support programs that offer comfort and guidance to those who have recently undergone a heart event and for those who have experienced heart conditions and rehabilitation.

HSA CEO Dr Christian Verdicchio says, “Unfortunately, far too often when people are
diagnosed with or undergo treatment for a heart condition, they don’t have ongoing support and
that can be incredibly isolating.”

“Our support groups are designed to ensure our patients are staying on the path to a healthier
life by making it known to them that they are not alone because they are interacting with their leader and group members who have gone through similar circumstances,” he says.

In the recent Wonthaggi Census statistics, heart disease accounted for 8.9 per cent of all long-term health conditions in the region, which is more than double Victoria’s average (3.7 per cent).

Leading the Wonthaggi Peer Support Group is John Carter whose pneumonia went
undiagnosed despite seeing his GP for symptoms including a hacking cough and shortness of breath.

After being prescribed antibiotics, John returned to his doctor a week later when he noticed swelling and puffiness in his lower leg and ankles.

“I went back to my GP in August and I was immediately referred to emergency at Wonthaggi Hospital with diagnosed heart failure,” John says.

“After stabilising my condition, and with medication, my heart function had returned to normal capacity although I still had fibrillation issues and a faulty rhythm,” he says.

John was fortunate to receive 24 hour hospital care and go straight to cardiac rehab where he “restored [his] old life”.

“Without the support and encouragement from the staff in rehab I would not have been able to turn my life around and strengthen my body and mind,” John says.

“That’s why I am leading the Wonthaggi support group to give back to the wonderful community that supported me but also to importantly give attendees a sense of ‘look at me, I’m OK. Sure, I’m not 25 anymore, but I have a bunch of people that I can relate to and get on with life and all
the good things it still has to offer,” he concludes.

The peer support program initiative derives from a new era of managing heart disease that empowers heart patients with education, improved self-esteem, and larger support networks that result in less of a strain on our health system with fewer hospital stays and trips to the GP.

The Wonthaggi Peer Support Group takes place on the second Tuesday of each month at the Wonthaggi Senior Citizens Centre.

Heart Support Australia encourages people to get involved with the community support session by getting in touch with group leader John Carter by calling 0408 556 061 or by emailing john.carter48@bigpond.com

HSA Opens Peer Support Group in Wonthaggi

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