Forth Valley College Technical Assistant George Mawhinnie received some good news recently when doctors praised his dedicated fitness regime at the Falkirk Campus gym.
FVC’s website and e-focus told recently how George (58) from Stenhousemuir – who has worked in the College’s Construction Department for 22 years - was told to change the way he lived after suffering a heart attack on returning home from work one day back in 2014.
He had to take six months off work to recover and also get used to a special fitness programme devised by FVC’s Leisure Facilities Coordinator Waimun Lee and a physiotherapist at Forth Valley Hospital.
Now – after his six monthly check-up – George has been given a resounding thumbs-up for turning his life around.
He said: “My consultant is very happy with me. My blood pressure was fine, my heart rate was fine and he said that attending the gym three times a week was working for me and that I should keep up the good work. He has now told me that he will see me in a year’s time and I am very happy with that result.”
Regular exercise in the Falkirk Campus gym, has played a major part in his daily routine and with a change of diet, he is reaping the benefits of a healthier and more enjoyable life.
George, said: “I had never been a stranger to exercise, but I still suffered a heart attack. But Wai, in liaison with the hospital devised a programme, which I did initially under the supervision of the physiotherapist.
“Now that I am back at work I am carrying that on in the gym under the supervision of Wai and with the help of my ‘training buddy’ Jack McCluskey a colleague and friend of mine from the Construction Department. They have both been brilliant and I can’t thank them enough for their help and support.
“I must say I feel like a new man. I have plenty of energy in my life and feel happier and fresh. I have changed my diet as well eating more fish, pasta and white meats and have cut out the alcohol. I would also say that once my fitness started coming back, working out in the gym has become most enjoyable and is now an essential part of my life.
“I am really happy with the facilities and Wai has really looked after and encouraged me. He has totally built up my confidence and I would recommend anyone in the college to go and speak to him to see what he can do to help improve your fitness levels.”
Wai, said: “This is great news for George and I am delighted for him and the fact his consultant has praised his exercise routines. I am just happy that staff can come and utilise the excellent gym facilities we have here at the college in all three campuses, for the benefit of their health and wellbeing. George has done very, very well and is a different person. It is great he is now trying to encourage his colleagues to exercise more as well.
“I would be delighted to hear from any staff member who would like me to work out a fitness programme for them. It might even change their lives for the better. Just ask George!”
Good news for George
