Feature
Paddling for Heart Health
August 30, 2024
Have you ever wanted to make significant improvements to your health and lifestyle but wondered if it was too late?
Linda Palmer was once in that boat. Having worked in a variety of roles for the Canadian Cardiovascular Society for over 25 years, she is no stranger to the impact poor heart health has on quality of life, and the risks involved. When she was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol 12 years ago, she wasted no time making changes to better her well-being, in consultation with her doctor.
Linda had heard about dragon boat racing from a friend years ago, so when she needed to make lifestyle changes to manage her heart health, it came to mind as an intriguing way to move more – in a way that was not only efficient, but also enjoyable. Along with cholesterol-lowering medications prescribed by her family doctor, she joined a recreational dragon boat league and found it a great fit for her desires to be more active, become part of a team.
What is dragon boat racing? It’s a team-based water sport that features crews of up to 20 people paddling in large boats, similar to a canoe, plus a steer and a drummer. The sport challenges one’s physical capabilities and teamwork like no other. Making it among the fastest growing water sports in the world!
Not long after, Linda decided to take a big step to shift into a competitive league. This was an intense physical commitment, increasing her training to three times a week on the water – including paddling on the side of a pool in the winter – plus early morning strength training and cardio workouts. This conditioning helped keep Linda in top shape for competition and improved her overall health, losing 65 pounds over six years, lowering her blood pressure and enabling her to reduce her medications.
“You are never too old to start, but take my advice and don’t let it get there.” said Linda. “Dragon boat is uniquely accessible to paddlers of all fitness levels, ages, and abilities. It is multicultural and inclusive. It is a sport that one can learn to do effectively in a single practice session, and yet it takes a lifetime to perfect the technique.”
One of Linda’s teammates, Rosemary Irwin, also takes her dragon boat training seriously to avoid the heart conditions she has watched her relatives face. “I paddle to battle my genetics, to do what I can to keep them at bay,” she said. “For at least four generations on my mom’s side, not one person has lived past their mid-70s. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides – all those “silent killers” spoke loud and clear. I am very fortunate to have my health, and I’m grateful that my life has allowed me so many fulfilling opportunities to date. But I know that the road ahead is much shorter than the road behind.”
“Dragon boating,” she continued, “being on the water, those first few whooshes of the paddle as we set out on the water, the astounding sunrises and sunsets (sometimes both on the same day!), but also the camaraderie and friendships, the training, the common goals – make this exciting. I can’t imagine a better way to travel this shorter road.”
Linda and Rosemary’s team, the Senior C Women – Ottawa Dragon Masters, is comprised of 28 women aged 60 to 71. This mighty group of champions placed second at Nationals last year and are among eight other teams from around the world competing in this age bracket at the International Dragon Boat Festival Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy, September 3 through 8.
Linda’s colleagues at the Canadian Cardiovascular Society will be cheering her on! Please check back for an update on the Senior C Women – Ottawa Dragon Masters’ ranking when they compete in Italy.