Lifestyle
What do we mean by lifestyle? Lifestyle is the way you live your life and the decisions you make.
It can include things like diet, exercise, recreational drugs, alcohol, smoking, education, suitable career options, relationships, sex, learning to drive, fashion, music…. the list goes on and on!
Youth at Heart recognise that a natural part of growing up is exploring ideas around who you are, your values and taking risks. 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. Some examples of questions we have answered are:
Will I be allowed to drive if I have CHD?
If your condition affects your ability to drive then report it to the DVLA here
Will I ever be able to go on holiday with my mates and what about travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is an important thing to consider and you must also declare your heart condition. Somerville Heart Foundation have some excellent information on their website here. You will need to sign up for a membership, which is free, to access the information.
Tell me again why I have to go to the dentist regularly?
It’s important to have good dental hygiene including regular visits to your dentist as it helps prevent Endocarditis
I know I shouldn’t but I’m planning to have a tattoo or piercing.
The clinical advice is to avoid having tattoos or piercings due to the risk of Endocarditis. If you’re an adult, our advice would be to consider the risks and make sure you go somewhere that is clean, uses new tools in sterile packets and has a good reputation. High-risk areas for piercings are the mouth, nose, belly button and genitals because of the increased risk of infection.
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!
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is a rare infection that happens when bacteria enter your bloodstream and infect the lining of the heart. The bacteria attach themselves to areas such as scar tissue, narrow areas, the edges of holes and artificial valves. The signs and symptoms are a bit generic, see below, and that last for longer than a week:
· flu-like symptoms – these may include having a temperature, night sweats, tiredness, headaches, chills, a cough, sore throat and sometimes a rash
· poor appetite or unexplained weight loss
· pale skin
· aching muscles and joints
· heart murmurs (an abnormal heart sound)
You can reduce your risk of endocarditis by:
· practicing good oral and dental hygiene
· visiting your dentist regularly
· avoiding/knowing the risks of body piercings, tattoos, microblading eyebrows and lip fillers/Botox
· washing your hands regularly and properly to help stop bacteria spreading
· being aware of the symptoms and contacting your team if you’re worried.
Endocarditis is diagnosed by special blood tests and treatment may involve 6 weeks in hospital on IV antibiotics, or possibly open heart surgery!
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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.