Carolyn Gibson wants other women to think of their heart. 84392 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
CAROLYN Gibson decided to put her best foot forward taking on the National Heart Foundation’s Healthy Heart Challenge.
Determined to live a long and healthy life for her three children and 12 grandchildren the 54-year-old jumped at the opportunity to take part in the six-week challenge.
Carolyn said though she already lives a relatively healthy lifestyle she was keen to do more.
“It’s really easy to lose motivation during winter and put on weight,” she said.
Sadly both of Carolyn’s parents died of heart related illnesses.
“Unless we look after what we’ve got it could happy to anybody.”
More than 12000 Australian women have already completed the free challenge to improve their heart health.
“I’m going to miss getting the weekly emails,” the Williamstown resident said.
“I didn’t want it to be over.
“It has inspired me to keep going.”
Carolyn said she emailed the challenge to her sister and daughter to encourage them take part.
“It’s more than a diet.”
“I haven’t actually lost that much weight but I’ve lost three centimetres from my waist.”
Heart Foundation (Victoria) CEO Kathy Bell said heart disease was the number one killer of Australian women.
“There is no single cause of heart disease, but risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a family history increase your chance of developing it,” Ms Bell said.
“High blood pressure and cholesterol are often called the silent killers, as there are no obvious symptoms – having a heart attack can be the first sign.”
For more information about the challenge visit www.heartfoundation.org.au
