Lifestyle
What do we mean by lifestyle? Lifestyle is the way you live your life; descriptions may include a healthy lifestyle or a green lifestyle so it’s how you live your life and the decisions you make.
It can include things like exercise, drugs, alcohol, smoking, relationships, sex, veganism, driving, haircuts, fashion, music…. the list goes on and on!
Youth at Heart recognise that a natural part of growing up is experimenting and we encourage informed choice and harm reduction. Our Youth Workers are happy to chat about anything and be that trusted person you can talk to.
You can talk to our CHD Health Youth Workers about anything that is on your mind such as
Q Will I be allowed to drive if I have CHD?
A Yes. click here for the rules.
Q Will I ever be able to go on holiday with my mates and what about travel insurance
A Yes, many companies offer travel insurance for people with CHD, you must take out travel insurance before or at the time of booking and declare your condition.
Q Tell me again why I have to go to the dentist regularly?
A It’s important to have good dental hygiene including regular visits to your dentist as it helps prevent Endocarditis
Q I know I shouldn’t but I’m planning to have a tattoo or piercing
A It is always best not to have a tattoo or piercing due to the risk of Endocarditis but if you’re an adult our advice would be if you are going to go ahead and get a tattoo despite the advice of your Consultant or Clinical Nurse Specialist make sure you go somewhere that is clean, uses unopened tools in sterile packets and has a good reputation.
Don’t go on holiday with your mates, get a bit tipsy and get a holiday tattoo or piercing. That is a quick way to a potentially regretful decision!
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Explore Youth at Heart
Youth at Heart are a charity committed to young people aged 13-24, and their families, who are living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in South West England and South Wales.
We empower, inform and support them to live their best life.
For young people
We are committed to supporting you as you start your Transition Journey aged 13 and leading up to your Transfer from Paediatrics to Adult Services and beyond, until your 25th birthday.
For the whole family
Youth at Heart recognise that congenital heart disease affects the whole family, which is why our Youth Workers are there for families too.
For professionals
Youth at Heart is a charity independent from the NHS that works in partnership with health professionals across the South Wales & South West Congenital Heart Disease Network.
Get involved
Youth at Heart rely on funds being raised through donations, grants, events and activities and for people to get involved to help us carry on our important work.