Ross Memorial Hospital - Kawartha Lakes
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Ross Memorial's Cardiac Rehabilitation program celebrates a generation of heart health

The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation team at RMH assists people who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, symptoms of heart disease, or those who are at high risk of developing heart disease.

The program provides education, exercise, monitoring and support for participants and their families.

This year, the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation program is celebrating its 25th year at the Ross Memorial. Physiotherapist Sue Evans has been involved since the program’s inception. “Since 1991, we’ve supported over 7,000 residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Haliburton area improve their heart health. We’re very proud of our patients.”

Sue Evans, Carole Follett and Ruth Hopkins work together to motivate patients in the program to exercise safely, and to keep up their healthy habits once their cardiac rehabilitation at RMH is complete.

“We now believe exercise is medicine and a daily dose is recommended,” said Carole Follett, Cardiovascular Nurse.

In order to provide patients access to appropriate exercise equipment and education materials, the team encourages participation in the annual Walk of Life fundraising event. This year’s walk takes place on Friday, May 6th. The official warm-up begins at 1:45pm and the walk starts at 2pm.

The Cardiac Rehab team is encouraging employees of the Ross to set the pace for the celebration by getting involved in the Rowing Machine and Treadmill Challenge in the hospital’s main lobby prior to the Walk of Life. RMH employees are encouraged to challenge a colleague to go the furthest distance in 15 minutes. The Rowing Machine and Treadmill Challenge runs from 11:00am-12:45pm prior to the walk.

The event brings together people of all ages and of all health conditions. Together, they share a healthy goal.

“Many come in to improve their own health yet end up helping each other adjust to heart disease,” said Ruth Hopkins, Rehabilitation Assistant. 

The local media are invited to attend.