CLARE Kenward’s Heart Beat initiative picks up where her father left off.
The Heart Beats initiative, developed by Clare and her mother Pam Bailey, challenges people to get off their couch and start exercising.
The Roleystone resident said she developed the program to help reduce the incidence of heart disease in the community after her father Mick died from a sudden heart attack in 2010.
“Dad had started a lifestyle change a few months before he passed away to get healthy and keep up with his grandsons,” she said.
“Unfortunately, he never got to finish what he started.
“So in a way, the program is finishing it off for him.”
Mrs Kenward, a health promotion officer at Gosnells Women’s Health Service, tried the Heart Beat program with her family last year.
“It was really successful; even though it was only a four week program, we all noticed the difference, especially my mum, who has continued on with the program and lost 12kg,” she said.
Mrs Kenward said extending the program, which includes beach volleyball games, gym sessions and healthy eating guides, to the community would help spread the healthy lifestyle message.
“It focuses on how a healthy lifestyle and exercise can prevent heart disease,” she said.
The challenge, a part of the Swap It Don’t Stop It campaign, starts on February 6.
People interested in joining or volunteering their services can contact Clare at clare. kenward@gwhs.com.au.