Braveheart News
EVERYONE remembers the award-winning movie Braveheart, with its stirring music and Mel Gibson in a kilt. But check out the new incarnation of Braveheart. An NHS Lanarkshire production, this is having a huge effect on the health of the residents in Bellshill. And it’s even been credited with possibly saving a few lives.
Run by a team of nurses, Braveheart involves informal sessions offering a range of screening services and advice to help in the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Sessions are held throughout the area and are open to everyone. Those popping into a Braveheart session will get their blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index checked, as well as having access to lifestyle advice.
Depending on the results, available there and then, a referral might be made to a doctor for more checks.
Theresa Boyle, from Bellshill, said:
“Everyone should have a health check with the Braveheart team – there’s nothing to be scared of. I had high blood pressure and feel fine now I’m on tablets.”
After discovering she had high blood pressure during a Braveheart session, Theresa was referred to her GP who prescribed her medication and gave her lifestyle advice.
The other similarity with the 1995 Braveheart film epic is that the NHS version is also a winner, picking up the 2006 Healthy Lifestyle Award at the Scottish Health Awards for community-based health promotion work.
From May to September this year, 482 people from the Bellshill district attended a Braveheart session. Christine Reid, senior health promotion officer in Bellshill, said: “Braveheart is a great example of how local people are supported to make those small but important changes.”
To get a Braveheart screening simply turn up at one of
these sessions:
- Viewpark Credit Union: 22 January or 19 February at 9.30am to 11.30am. For further info, contact Ian Parry 01698 817877.
- Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre: 23 January or 20 February at 11.30am to 1.30pm. For further info, contact Irene Gibson 01698 573256.
- Newarthill Locality: 21 January or 18 February at 10am to noon. For further info, contact Marie McGough 01698 732033.
- Bellshill Cultural Centre: 24 January or 21 February at 2pm to 4pm. For further information, contact Jennifer Hosie 01698 346770.