This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Paisley's Healthy Hearts
28/08/2003
Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe today presented
certificates to the successful candidates of the fifth
Paisley Heart Awards.
He congratulated everyone who had made small changes to
their lifestyle that will have a huge impact of their
health.
The Paisley Heart Award is open to everyone who lives,
works or spends time in Paisley and the aim is to raise
awareness of heart health messages in Paisley.
Have a Heart Paisley, one of four national health
demonstration projects, aims to provide a uniting focus for
action across a broad front to prevent coronary heart
disease, promote good health and reduce inequalities in
Paisley, Scotland's largest town.
Mr McCabe said:
"I am delighted that Have a Heart Paisley is working
with the community to set up health projects that provide
help, advice and facilities at a local level. The projects
include work on physical activity, smoking and healthy
eating, the three main health factors putting Paisley at
risk of heart disease and poor health.
"I know that smoking is an addiction and recognise that
there can be complex reasons for maintaining this habit
including low self esteem and poor social circumstances.
But there is no escaping the stark reality that the most
effective way to immediately reduce the risk of developing
heart disease is to stop smoking.
"There are a number of people in Paisley who have
benefited from the Have a Heart smoking cessation service.
If this project can develop mechanisms that can encourage
more people across Scotland to stop smoking, it will have
done a fantastic national service.
Mr McCabe continued:
"The success of all of the projects has been dependent
on the participation of everyone in the community. Without
this involvement the communities within Paisley there would
be no success for Have a Heart Paisley.
"The Paisley Heart Award continues to go from strength
to strength. I congratulate everyone on their efforts to
reduce heart disease and to help the people of Paisley to
live healthier, longer lives. And some of the lessons
learned here in Paisley could go on to help to prevent
heart disease throughout Scotland."
The Paisley Heart Award is offered to everyone who
lives, works or spends time in Paisley.
It is non-competitive, informal and free. Local people
can participate in whatever way suits them best. Learning
can take place at a local college, community venue,
community-run event or some other way. Everyone is
encouraged to participate and arrangements are made for
anyone requiring any special support to do so.
The aim of the award is to raise awareness of heart
health messages in Paisley. It encourages the involvement
of both professionals and the community by making sure the
message is of value to everyone. By participating,
candidates learn valuable information that can affect not
only themselves, but also the health of their families and
friends.
The current menu of topics is as follows:
- Heartstart
- Getting Help with the Smoking Habit
- Can Do - Will Do!
- Active Lifestyles
- The Value of Healthy Eating
- Healthy Eating on a Budget
- Participation in Community Activities
- Managing Your Stress
- Simple Relaxation Techniques
- Women's Healthy Heart Issues
- Men's Healthy Heart Issues
- In Control of Your Own Health
- Living with Heart Disease
On completion of three topics, candidates receive a
bronze award. Six topics achieve a silver award and 10
topics a gold award. Each of these topics contributes in
some way to reducing the risk of heart disease.