We’re here to HELP heart patients and their families
Coventry’s community based cardiac rehabilitation programme designed for people with heart disease.
Information
This page has general information about health behaviours and heart health.
What is HELP?
Health Equality Lifestyle Plan (HELP) is Coventry’s community based cardiac rehabilitation programme designed for people with heart disease. The HELP programme hosts a number of healthy heart projects and was initially aided by lottery funding.
Smoking
HELP members: for support in stopping smoking please speak to one of the HELP team. There is also information at the Health Fair.
For general information and advice contact Smoking Cessation Services on 0800 0511310
Exercise
HELP members: we will assess your exercise requirements. We run a range of classes to support you through your recovery. We can also provide a booklet on exercise during recovery for people using our programme.
Diet
HELP members: The dietitians give a talk at the Health Fair and are available for one-to-one consultations. We can also send you information leaflets on weight and heart health and healthy eating for people with heart disease.
Eating well can help protect the heart. A heart-healthy diet works in a number of ways. For example, it is good for cholesterol levels, blood pressure and artery walls.
Some people link eating well with losing weight. However, healthy people come in all shapes and sizes.
Your healthy weight is the weight you are when you eating well and keeping active.
For more information on eating for heart health see 
Eating 4 Healthy Heart pdf
For information on health for people of all shapes and sizes see Bacon HAES manifesto pdf
Improving health is not the same as losing weight
- 14 Ways for Better Health Right Now
Read 14 ways - Keeping active for large women Read keeping active
- Diets don’t work Read diets don't work
Alcohol
Too much alcohol is bad for the heart. Alcohol in moderation can have a beneficial affect on heart health.
HELP members: There is information at the Health Fair. Speak to your cardiac nurse if you have concerns about your drinking.
For general information on alcohol and the heart Read alcohol advice
Relaxation
HELP members: There is information at the Health Fair. People who are very stressed may be referred to the psychologist.
For general information Stress and Your Heart
Medication
It is very important to your recovery that you take your medication.
HELP members: The pharmacist gives a talk at the Health Fair. Your cardiac nurse will help you understand your medication.
For general information on medicines for the heart Read medicines for the heart