This week we hear from Taylor, who was born with tricuspid atresia, transposition of the great vessels, and dextrocardia, which lead to a fontan procedure. Her cardiologist encouraged activity so we talk about growing up as a dancer, finding your heart limits and staying healthy both mindset and physically. Inspiringly Taylor is also studying medicine so we talk about her why and what she hopes to give back to the CHD community in the future. Make sure to check out her Facebook page: Fontan with a Future and her Instagram under the same handle.
Apr 20, 2021
23 min
This week features a young CHD'er, Nevada, who did 100 cycle rides in 100 days as part of a school initiative. We talk about raising awareness of congenital heart defects as well as fundraising for the charity Heart Beats. We also chat about his CHD, Shone's syndrome, surgery and what it's been like moving countries and changing cardiologists/hospitals. You can see Nevada's incredible 100 rides on his Instagram @nevadamaier.
Apr 13, 2021
13 min
This week we speak to Meg, who was born with Tetrology of Fallot but wasn't told until adulthood that she'd need a valve replacement. Now several years on, we talk about that experience of finding out, the 8 year build up to surgery and the questions she wanted to know about the recovery process. It was around this time that she also discovered running so we chat about what this means to her, why trail runs are more appealing and how to bring friends and family on the journey with you. You can see Meg's love from running on her Instagram @the_running_pig_heart
Apr 13, 2021
36 min
When faced with difficulties or challenges, resilience can be a powerful tool. In this episode, I chat to Beth. As an endurance athlete with CHD, we talk about the cardiac setbacks she's faced and still facing, and the mindset she's adopted to come back fighting every time. We also talk about Beth's experience of the impact fitness can have on recovery from planned surgeries, an emergency one and getting endocarditis.
Feb 9, 2021
39 min
In this next episode, I chat to Nick to get another side to CHD, being the parent. Having had their daughter, Skylar, 2 years ago we reflect on the frightening experience of suddenly having a newborn whisked off for heart surgery within a week and the questions they wanted to know from doctors. As a runner himself, I also couldn't help asking Nick what got him into exercise and how he'll use his love for long distance to encourage his daughter to lead an active life.
Feb 5, 2021
12 min
Goal setting is a fantastic way to be able to see progress when it comes to being active. In this episode, I have a conversation with Claire about growing up with CHD in South Africa and the impact now as an adult. We talk too about her recent passion for running, which led her to set herself the goal of running a half marathon. We discuss what inspired this, what motivated her to keep going as well as the more recent impact of lockdowns on exercise goals.
Feb 2, 2021
20 min
Having been waiting on the heart transplant list nearly 300 days, I chat to Lorrie about how she maintains an incredibly positive outlook while juggling study and numerous hospital appointments. We talk about her active childhood and the difference now as an adult with a failing heart. She shares how she's adapted her approach to fitness and what her hopes are post transplant.
Jan 26, 2021
20 min
In this next episode, I chat to Lloyd, who was never interested in being active as a child, but over the last few years has taken steps to prioritise his heart health. We talk about how he's built healthier food and exercise habits into his day-to-day and how this has supported his mental health. As a young adult, we also talk about his hopes for transitioning into the adult cardiology unit.
Jan 19, 2021
22 min
In this episode, I chat to Veronica, a dietitian specialising in heart health. Together, we explore the topic of weight loss and how we can adopt a sustainable approach while moving away from the fad diets. We talk about how to support heart health and also what to consider if you're fuelling an active lifestyle and looking to lose excess pounds.
Jan 15, 2021
19 min
Having always been active, but unable to take part in certain sports as a child, I talk to Nick about the impact of this and how he came to start challenging his fitness more in adulthood. Having also contracted endocarditis and nearly 3 months in hospital, we chat about how this was discovered and his determination to get back out there afterwards, leading him to take part in a triathlon only a short time after.
Jan 12, 2021
20 min
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