BACR Phase IV Exercise Specialist - Harrogate Heart Specialist Group

The HHSG was established in 1992 and is affiliated to the British Heart Foundation which continues to provide guidelines, education on current practice in cardiac medicine.

The purpose of the group is to provide support for people with heart problems and their carers. Practical and psychological support to anyone recovering from heart surgery or trauma of heart attack. To this end, the Harrogate Group provides a forum to enable people to access an understanding of their condition by way of monthly meetings and discourse with medical practitioners.

It is a generally accepted fact that exercise is a major factor in cardiac rehabilitation and the group is prominent in providing for regular exercise for health improvement and long term maintenance of fitness. The exercise group has long been associated with the Harrogate district hospital Physiotherapy department in relation to cardiac health and together has produced sustainable approach to looking after individuals with cardiac conditions. This "conjoined" approach ensures that HHSG will provide excellence in relation to building confidence in the long term aspect of fitness for life.

Moreover, the group is committed to the high standard of cardiac rehabilitation espoused by the British Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation, who, together with BHF lead the way in developing methodology in this science.

It is paramount to the ethos of our group that our exercise programmer is conjunct ed by instructors who have attained the BACR qualification. Currently we have Jane Wood and Steve Bradbury fully qualified to BACR standard and they are responsible for practices for about 100 of our members who regularly exercise in several locations in Harrogate. Harrogate Heart Support Group benefits 0 contact Mel Clark chairman on 01423 883131 for information.