Chronic conditions rehab centre reopens as Jaghu Gym

78-year-old man on stationary bikeKevin Kaminski has had a second chance at life, and he is making the most of it.

After an angiogram in March, Mr Kaminski underwent emergency surgery on his heart to clear 3 blocked arteries.

Now, 13 weeks later, the 78-year-old from Yamanto was given cake-cutting honours at the opening of West Moreton Health’s chronic conditions gym, which has relocated to South Street, Ipswich. 

“This is the first time I’ve looked at cake since before my surgery,” joked Mr Kaminski, who has focused on healthy eating and exercise post-surgery and lost 10kg in the process.

He is two weeks into a six-week rehabilitation program and staff at the gym are very happy with his progress and commitment to good health.

Chronic Conditions Nurse Unit Manager Katie Fisher said the gym was open by referral to West Moreton Health consumers who need rehabilitation for respiratory and cardiac conditions.

“Through promoting better health and wellbeing, we aim to reduce potentially preventable hospital admissions for our consumers as well as reducing the length of time they need to stay in hospital if they are admitted,” Ms Fisher said.

In moving the gym to a new location, West Moreton Health sought naming advice from Aboriginal Elders and was gifted the local word “Jaghu”, which means “all together”.

The name reflects the welcoming, holistic, evidence-based care that Jaghu gym staff provide to all their consumers.

It also reflects West Moreton Health’s strategy of making healthcare services more welcoming for First Nations peoples, who are often over-represented in statistics for chronic conditions such as rheumatic heart disease.

“We offer a dedicated, culturally safe space for First Nations consumers through our Deadly Steps Together exercise and wellbeing program,” Ms Fisher said.