In the Irish language, the word for heart is Croí (kree). The word crops up in all sorts of Gaelic phrases like “Grá Geal Mo Chroí” which means bright love of my heart. Brightening up many hearts in the west of Ireland, is the charity Croí, whose mission to prevent heart disease and promote recovery is supported by people like Annie Costelloe, Head of Patient & Community Engagement and centre, Emma Dillon-Leetch, Communications Manager.
Their HeartFest mobile health unit takes blood pressure, pulse and cholesterol checks, promotes valve disease awareness and like our own Water Safety Lifesaving Instructors, give CPR demonstrations.
The benefits of cold-water swimming for those in good general health are enjoyed by many but if you have a heart condition, there are risks you should consider and discuss with your doctor. Your heart may have to work harder than when you’re on land and the colder the water, the harder the heart must work. Sudden immersion in very cold water can lead to a ‘cold shock’, which can cause a faster heart rate, higher blood pressure, and shortness of breath. Prompt friends and family to enter the water slowly, splashing water around the body, to gradually get used to the change in temperature and depth. Stay within your depth and keep your swims short.
Heart related injuries are a serious issue, even more so for those affected while in the water. Well done to Croí for connecting with communities and stimulating conversations that lead to heart health.
September 29 is World Heart Day.
#WorldHeartDay #Croí
Co-Founder and CEO at Bloom & Wild
5moSo proud that we were able to do this this week and grateful to everyone that made time to make it happen during our peak period 🙏🏻