PEMBROKE – The Pembroke Regional Hospital is excited to announce that a successful test run of a new Vascular Health Exercise Program has resulted in a county-wide expansion of the program beginning this fall.
Earlier this year, with funding support from Servier, a pharmaceutical company, PRH teamed up with Healthy Community Partnership, The Ottawa Heart Institute and Pembroke’s Heartwise Exercise site at the Best Western Fitness Centre to pilot a structured exercise program for individuals aged 55 and over who have been diagnosed or who are at risk of developing vascular health disease.
“We all agree with the importance of an exercise program tailored to the needs of each individual,” said cardiologist Dr. Ron Vexler who supports the hospital’s Heart Function Clinic. “This empowers our clients to participate and adhere to an exercise program which can have a positive influence on their quality of life.”
Vascular Health Co-ordinator Karen Roosen said a total of 21 participants enrolled in the 12-week/24-session program with a goal of increasing and sustaining physical activity and improved quality of life.
Following evaluation of the program, the 18 individuals who completed the full session indicated that they would recommend it to others.
Post program results for these participants demonstrated heart rate improvements along with fitness level improvements. In addition, the majority noted that they had not only benefited from it, but were interested in continuing on with some form of exercise program.
Pembroke resident Brenda Reid said she really appreciated the fact that the program was specifically tailored to participants’ needs.
“It was a great program because it got me back into a regular fitness routine, she said. “Initially I was intimated about going to a gym but the program was very welcoming for all participants and was tailored to suit everyone’s individual needs.”
Mrs. Roosen said that participant feedback about the program was positive, with many commenting that they had more energy, improved strength and balance and could breathe easier.
Ongoing funding to continue and expand the program across various sites in Renfrew County was allocated by the Champlain LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) in April of this year. Mrs. Roosen has been working with the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) and Family Physio, a company contracted by the CCAC to coordinate the establishment of five additional sites which have been approved for a September start. These sites include the Best Western Fitness Centre, and locations in Petawawa, Deep River, Eganville and Killaloe. Each site will offer the exercise program from September to June at no charge to residents 55 and over who are diagnosed or at risk of developing vascular health disease.
“This program provides an excellent opportunity for our patients who are at risk of vascular health problems to exercise in a way that is tailored to meet their individual needs,” Mrs. Roosen said. “Statistics have shown the positive impact exercise and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle can have on an individual’s health status which is why it is so important to be able to expand this program across the county.”
For more information regarding the dates, times and program locations or to register for the program, please call 1-855-293-7838.
