Asiya's Story
Swim and stride, feeling good inside
After being diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, Asiya began walking and swimming – and it’s made a world of difference.
"I’ve got so much positive energy, nothing can stop me now."
As a busy working mother of four children, Asiya found little time to focus on her own wellbeing. Over time, she began experiencing severe headaches. Following a visit to her GP, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Her doctor advised her to make lifestyle and dietary changes, which initially Asiya was reluctant to do. Asiya also lives with arthritis and back pain, which further impacted her previously low mood and energy levels.
Asiya has a family history of heart disease; her mother died from a stroke at a young age and her grandmother had a heart attack too. Knowing this, as well as her own diagnosis, Asiya knew she had to take action – not just for herself, but for her family.
How Asiya moves more
Asiya started moving more by going to the gym several times a week and by building regular walks into her everyday life.
Walking is now Asiya's passion as she finds that it is an activity she enjoys without putting too much strain on her back. Asiya enjoys daily walks in her local park and along the canal towpath and aims to reach the target of 10,000 steps a day, which she has built up over time. Sometimes Asiya is joined by a friend on her walks, giving them time to catch up whilst on-the-move.
Asiya also attends a weekly swim at her local leisure centre. She finds gentle swimming and simply walking through the water therapeutic. Being in the water helps to relieve the pressure on her joints and provides another opportunity to socialise with the other women who attend.
How Asiya feels now
Asiya has seen significant improvements in both her physical and mental health by combining regular physical activity with a healthier diet.
Her blood pressure is now 'spot on' and her cholesterol levels have decreased too. Asiya exclaims, "I’m over the moon and feel like a different person! I’ve got so much positive energy – nothing can stop me now!"