Local Highland councillor urges people not to allow fear to stand in way

Pull up a chair – here’s how High Life Highland can help with health and wellbeing

Those recovering from injury, illness or major surgery knows that the pathway to recovery is not always easy.

There are bumps in the road but with the right help and support, the road flattens, allowing a smoother journey to better health.

This is the case for Badenoch and Strathspey Highland councillor, Muriel Cockburn.

In 2019, she contracted sepsis, leading to endocarditis, a rare and potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart.

She required surgery to repair a damaged heart valve.

Muriel’s recovery from surgery was long – including months on intravenous antibiotics and having to combat further infection.

But she was determined not to let this episode define her future she took up the invitation from NHS Highland to take part in cardiac rehabilitation sessions with High Life Highland at Dingwall Leisure Centre.

Muriel, who now lives in Newtonmore, said: “I essentially lost two years of my life, those years were gone and coming back from something life threatening was going to take a lot of courage.

“At that moment, I felt scared and vulnerable.

“However, I was in good hands between the NHS Highland cardiac team and the well trained High Life Highland staff – at these sessions my heart rate and blood pressure were checked regularly and my confidence started to build again.

“I feel like there have been three stages to my recovery.

“The first part was when I was a patient undergoing surgery and treatment; the second being a patient in recovery with the support of the NHS and the High Life Highland cardiac rehabilitation sessions.

“The third part – and probably the most daunting – is the self help stage when you need to go out and start to explore your own personal pathway to better health.”

For Muriel, who had previously enjoyed good health and was very fit – having been a hockey player well into her 40s – she was under the impression that she could not and should not take part in any physical exercise.

However, a day at the Centre for Health Sciences in Inverness changed her outlook.

She explained: “There was an amazing variety of organisations all in the same room demonstrating and talking on a wide range of health related topics.

“I was very fortunate to be at this event with the opportunity to engage and participate.

“While I was there, these knowledgeable health and wellbeing professionals told me what I could do, as opposed to me mulling over what I couldn’t do.”

As well as investing in an e-bike which Muriel takes to the shops now instead of the car, she has been looking at the range of health and wellbeing classes on offer at her local High Life Highland facilities.

She recently attended her first Chair Yoga session at Talla nan Ross in Kingussie, finding the mental wellbeing benefits of the class every bit as important as the physical benefits.

“I thought this class, led by Judy, was really fantastic, and is truly for everyone regardless of age or ability.

“I particularly enjoyed how it made me focus on my joints and how I move.

“I have taken that information away and implemented these small but important movements into my everyday routine.

“It was also lovely to connect with other participants afterwards and hear how they are improving their health and wellbeing, particularly those people who had experienced life changing or life threatening conditions.”

Fraser Tulloch, Leisure Manager with High Life Highland in Badenoch and Strathspey said: “We were delighted to welcome Muriel along to Chair Yoga recently, knowing that she was recovering from ill health and that she wanted to take control of her own recovery in a safe environment.

“We offer a range of health and wellbeing classes across all our sites that offer participants a variety of options, with well trained staff who can offer reassurance and help rebuild confidence.”

Lynn Bauermeister, Head of Health and Wellbeing at High Life Highland commented: “Fear of returning to exercise is quite a common experience for people and we do all we can in High Life Highland to help people overcome any fears they may have.

“We’re really proud to work closely with a variety of health professionals and organisations such as NHS Highland, Parkinsons UK, Diabetes Scotland, to ensure that High Life Highland is best placed to support people in the communities we serve to help make their lives better.”

Offering advice to others who might have gone through a similar experience, Muriel added: “If anyone is feeling like I was – nervous, scared, vulnerable – you have the opportunity to heal yourself so don’t be frightened to take those first brave steps.

“The professionals have ‘fixed you’ and now you can now work on getting back to your old self, or maybe even a better version of you. Do not allow fear to stand in your way.”

For more information visit the High Life Highland website: Health and Wellbeing - High Life Highland

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