In a Heartbeat
By (Author) Rachel Jayne Cassidy
Big Sky Publishing
Big Sky Publishing
29th January 2025
Australia
General
Non Fiction
Popular medicine and health: the human body
616.123025
Paperback
304
Width 153mm, Height 230mm
If youre having symptoms that dont feel right, call Triple Zero.
If its not a heart issue, then thats OK. No one ever died of embarrassment.
Author Rachel Cassidy knows firsthand what its like to be on the brink of life and death. After surviving a critical heart attack, she understands the challenges of heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer worldwide, impacting more than 500,000 Australians. Rachel emphasises for the lucky survivors that while recovery takes time, it is crucial to learn how to live and thrive after a heart event. Over the past five years, she has gathered real-life stories, expert advice, and resources to raise public awareness and offer hope, helping others to do just thatthrive.
In a Heartbeat delves into the emotional and physical complexities of dealing with heart disease, sharing real-life, emotionally raw stories that provide insight into the impact of this disease. From survivors to everyday heroes who, by a momentary twist of fate have saved a life, to the health professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to give seriously ill patients a second chance at life. This combination of insightful stories captures the full spectrum of experiences and provides a comprehensive understanding of heart health.
This valuable guide features uplifting, inspiring accounts of human survival against all odds, alongside valuable heart health information from well-recognised cardiologists and health professionals across Australia. Inspiring stories include Strictly Ballroom star turned politician Paul Mercurio, former original yellow Wiggle Greg Page, aspiring First Nations entertainer Warrawatja Bell, little Arlothe face of the 2023 Royal Childrens Hospital appeal, former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner, and many more.
Rachels journey as a heart attack survivor and heart health advocate provides her with deep personal
insights and invaluable knowledge. She is dedicated to ensuring that those who have experienced a heart event find comfort and reassurance in this book, knowing they are not alone. Rachel hopes this book will spark a potentially lifesaving conversation.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
Rachel Cassidys journey is a remarkable one. From full-time writer and Australian of the Year Finalist to patient recovering from an acute heart event to heart health champion, her natural gift as a storyteller and communicator comes to the fore in this book this time to deal with the complexities, both emotional and physical, of dealing with heart disease. The result is a significant contribution to an incredibly important issue. - David Lloyd, CEO, National Heart Foundation of Australia
It is my hope that In a Heartbeat will further promote understanding and public awareness of heart disease in all manifestations. - Dr Bennett Sheridan MBBS, BMedSci (Hons), FCICM, FRACP, FCSANZ, AFRACMA Paediatric Cardiologist and Intensive Care Specialist
A valuable resource for cardiac patients or for the general public to learn more about heart health issues. - Associate Professor Paul Gould Cardiologist
A compilation of inspiring stories of heart attack survivors and an insight behind the scenes in the lives of those who are saving lives every day. To my knowledge this type of publication has never been written before in book form in this style in Australia. Greg Evans, acclaimed television host and award winning radio personality
Participating in this book, has pushed me to move forward with a positive and inclusive outlook for the future. Having opened up by discussing my life changing experience with Rachel, she helped me to gain a better understanding of my heart health and head in the sand blokey attitude which I now know at times hurt those that I loved and those around me. She took me to a better place. - Daryl Dealehr, Heart Attack Survivor, Contributor
Rachel Cassidy has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years, working with various causes for the health and well-being of women and children, including working on World Reconciliation Day events with Nelson Mandela. She is the CEO of the Stop Stalking Now Foundation Ltd, a National charity in Australia which is established to provide education and public awareness to support victims who have been stalked, targeted, or bullied.