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Debra is building her confidence

/ Health & Fitness

Just eight-months ago 57-year-old Debra Smith faced the biggest health challenge of her life when she suffered a massive heart attack.

Although the signs were not obvious – she did not collapse in excruciating pain but instead simply ‘felt strange’ – the repercussions were extremely serious.

“My husband was away any my friend called an ambulance, but I had not realised what was happening at all,” recalls Debra.

After three-days on life support, Debra underwent the major surgery at Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital – spending three weeks there.

Turn the clock forward to July 2018 and, while the visible scars of her operation remain, the physical and mental transformation is evident – and Debra has the team at Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite to thank for a large part of that change.

Healthier than ever before, Debra attends the centre at least twice a week. Since the operation, she has also discovered she is a Type 2 diabetic but refused any more medication. Instead she is managing the condition through her diet and exercise programme, which she joined via the GPs’ Referral Scheme. Debra also suffers from arthritis, which is also now eased, thanks to the gym exercise and swimming.

“Although I had not been inactive before, I did enjoy my food and did not do any regular exercise like this,” recalls Debra.

“I had not heard of the exercise referral programme and never visited this centre before, but I have honestly not looked back. I come here twice a week and love it – I pick the quieter times for the fitness suite and then go for an adult swim. You come and meet the same people and have a chat – it really builds your confidence, I would encourage anyone to come along,” added Debra.

The GPs’ Referral Scheme is for those with health conditions that would benefit from regular exercise and allows subsidised membership of Magna Vitae venues for up to nine months. For more information please speak directly to your GP.

Book your introduction into the fitness suite today by calling 01507 522489

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