The Tower Athletic Facility - Heart for Life
On Saturday, June 18 the Heart for Life Participants will be holding their 20th annual Walk-a-thon. These amazing participants will walk for 10km through downtown Halifax to raise awareness of the Heart for Life Program which so many in the group credit to their health and longevity in life. Members of this special group have some type of Cardiac Disease and have joined this group following a Heart Attack or other life threatening event. The program includes both education as well as exercise in order to maintain the health of participants. All are welcome to join in the walk on Saturday June 18 at 9am at The Tower.
Some of the Group participants gather before their exercise program.
Everyone works at their own level during the Circulatory Warm up.
Almost finished but still smiling!
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Heart For Life
Specifically designed for heart patients who have either had or are at risk of having heart disease, heart attack, heart surgery or angina. Led and monitored by Certified Fitness Leaders and Nurses. Doctor or Self-referral. Ongoing throughout the year, join anytime. Each class begins in the Group Fitness Room. Support partners are encouraged to attend the program (with member) at no additional charge. For more information and/or to register call 420 5556 or email: sandra.jamieson@smu.ca
| Mondays & Wednesdays | 6:15pm-8:00pm |
| Who can attend? | You must be a Tower member to attend the program. Anyone can apply to get a Tower membership. See membership fee information. Registration for the program is also required. |
HEART for LIFE Registration-Referral Form
WHO WE ARE
A precursor exercise program was established in 1981 by the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. This program was renamed “Heart for Life” by the Halifax Cardiac Support and Education Society in 1999. We provide education and safe, monitored exercise programs to strengthen your heart and get you back into life.
LET’S GET STARTED
Our orientation session offers guidance in a number of different areas: taking a pulse, monitoring exercise intensity, selecting correct footwear and performing a safe amount of enjoyable exercises.
GREAT RESULTS!
Long-term medical studies show that cardiac fitness programs brighten your mood, strengthen your heart, and decrease your chance of future cardiac problems. A 1996 Statistics Canada report states that improvements in diagnosis and treatment, as well as lifestyle changes, have resulted in 20,000 lives being saved every year. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. It’s that easy!
GET YOUR HEART PUMPING!
Our program aims to restore and maintain physical and psychological wellness through aerobic, flexibility, and strength-building exercises. We offer an assortment of activities such as walking (indoors and outdoors), jogging, cycling, and strength training that are monitored by medical staff and certified fitness professionals. As you progress, your exercise program is intensified to accommodate your new level of health.
A HEALTHY HEART... A HEALTHY MIND
Informal education sessions are routinely held which address nutrition, stress management, advances in cardiac medicine, and psychological aspects of heart disease. By focusing on lifestyle changes, many conditions - namely heart disease, angina, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can be improved or controlled. Support is available for you and your family as an ongoing service that involves orientation, monitoring, and advice on medical and fitness issues.
APPLICATIONS AND FEES
If you’re interested in participating in the Heart for Life Program, have your Doctor or Cardiologist complete a referral form (available by calling 420-5556). We also recommend periodic exercise stress tests to assist us in formulating your exercise prescription.
The Heart for Life Program is a community-based organization that is, quite literally, dedicated to getting you back on your feet. We receive no government funding and rely on fundraising and membership fees to cover costs. We encourage everyone to participate and guarantee no one will be turned away for financial reasons.
So drop by The Tower at Saint Mary’s University on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:15 - 8:00pm and get your heart pumping. Your heart will thank you for it.
Heart for Life, Program Coordinator
The Tower, Saint Mary’s University
920 Tower Road, Halifax, NS
B3H 3C3
Tel: 902 420 5556
FAX: 902 420 5844
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Tina Newman
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Clark Dorey
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John E. Dineen
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Heather Hollett
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MORE SUPPORT FOR THE PROGRAM!
“The Heart for Life Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Saint Mary’s University has helped many patients achieve an excellent quality of life and is an important resource in our fight against heart disease.”
Dr. David E. Johnstone, M.D., FRCPC
Professor, Dalhousie University
Division of Cardiology,
QEII Health Sciences Centre
President, Canadian Cardiovascular Society
“As a Sport Medicine Physician I am a firm believer in cardiac rehabilitation programs. My years of involvement with the Halifax group have provided me with continued amazement at each patient’s progress. The expected improvement in cardiac fitness was also associated with great strides in confidence levels and the forging of lifelong friendships.”
Dr. Kent Pottle
Preventive Medicine Centre
Honorary Chair, Board of Directors
Past Executive Director,
Halifax Cardiac Support & Education Society
This page last modified Tuesday, 11-Oct-2011 15:39:32 ADT