February is heart health awareness month

Did you know that every 90 minutes a New Zealander dies from heart disease? Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Aotearoa which is why being heart healthy is so important. It is also crucial that we all understand the signs that something isn’t right.

All kinds of things can cause chest pain, but sometimes it can be more than just heartburn. It’s important to see a health professional to rule out anything serious.

If you’re feeling pain or other symptoms like heaviness, tightness, pressure, or discomfort in your chest, shoulder, jaw, arm, neck, and mid-back, and it lasts longer than 10 minutes, it could be a heart attack. Phone 111 for an ambulance right away. Read more about what to do for different kinds of chest pain by looking up ‘chest pain first aid’ on www. healthinfo.org.nz You can also learn more about heart health through the Heart Foundation website

Volunteer to restore our native bush

If you’re keen to get outdoors, meet new people, and do something positive for the environment, we have an opportunity for you!

A group of Te Whatu Ora Critical Care staff work in conjunction with Park Rangers in Victoria Park, Conservation Volunteers NZ and the Christchurch City Council to plant and maintain native trees around Christchurch.

Read more about how you can get involved and check out the dates of future events on page 10