Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a program of monitored exercise, education and counselling to support recovery after a heart attack or other heart conditions. 

Approximately 1 out of 3 Canadians will die of cardiovascular disease and unfortunately, many will die before the age of 65 years. Research has found many deaths are preventable through managing cardiac risk factors.  Some of the risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol.  Learning how to manage these risks may help reduce a second event or cardiac emergency. 

One such approach is cardiac rehabilitation, to reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health, and develop self-management skills for this chronic condition. Dr. Pistawka, Central Okanagan Association for Cardiac Health (COACH) Medical Director comments, “Your car like your body has gas lines, valves, electrical wires and pumps. Like a car, you shouldn’t just fix things when they break. You need to maintain it to prevent problems. Cardiac rehabilitation helps one learn how to maintain heart health and aims to prevent your body from ‘breaking down’ and leaving you stranded.”

Those who choose to participate receive many benefits including improved quality of life, reduced cardiac death and improved cardiac risk factors in particular in the long-term if these heart healthy behaviours are maintained. Dr. Koss, Kelowna Cardiac Exercise Society (KCES) Medical Director states, “There is no question that regular exercise improves quality of life in anyone, but especially cardiac patients.  Members of the KCES get the benefit of regular exercise in a supervised environment, but also the camaraderie of being part of a group with similar experiences and goals.”

Despite the benefits associated with CR participation, only a third of the cardiac populations choose to participate. These low participation rates are due to a number of barriers including financial concerns. Your local cardiac rehabilitation and maintenance program wants your support to help raise funds for those dealing with this disease burden and may not be able to afford the program.

Once a year we partner with the Canadian Health Foundation of Canada to raise money for our local cardiac programs, COACH as well as our maintenance program KCES. The funds raised help people access the program that otherwise would not be able to attend due to financial constraints. 

We are hosting this 2016 walk on Saturday, May 28th at the Kinsmen Field House (Gordon and Lexington). The 1-6km family fun walk will start at 10am down the Mission Park Greenway. 

Registered participants receive a heart healthy BBQ following the walk, as well as a chance to win some great draw prizes. There will also be prizes categories for those collecting pledges! 

Register online at www.coachkelowna.com or call 250-763-3433.

Jacqueline Gabelhouse