Heart attack has not stopped Norah getting her hands dirty (From Ledbury Reporter)

Heart attack has not stopped Norah getting her hands dirty

6:40pm Sunday 25th November 2012 in News By Bill Tanner

GREEN fingered Norah Jordan is living proof that a heart attack need not be the end of an active life.

The 65-year-old gardening fan from Pembridge is back down to earth again after eight weeks of cardiac rehabilitation.

Norah needed life-saving emergency treatment, medication and on-going support from the specialist cardiac team at Hereford County Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest.

Now, she’s completed an eight-week programme run by Wye Valley NHS Trust which has enabled her to learn how to manage her heart condition and medication – and get back on her beloved allotment.

Norah was the face of the Trust’s Self-Care Week, telling her story to help raise awareness of the support available to help patients, especially those with long-term conditions, and to take control of their own health.

Norah says the rehab classes gave her a new lease of life.

“In the classes you learn about your heart condition, your medication from a qualified pharmacist, set goals to work towards, and hear from other patients about their experiences,” she explained.

“You also take part in fitness classes in a safe environment with one-to-one support."

• Self-care week 2012