(Saint John) October 13, 2017 - Horizon Health Network's Saint John Regional Hospital's Cardiovascular Health and Wellness Program will pilot a three-month cardiac rehab program at the Potash Corp Civic Center in Sussex beginning October 13, 2017.  

Horizon is partnering with the Potash Corp Civic Center to help those with heart disease recover faster and return to full productive lives. 

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a Chronic Cardiovascular Disease Management program that promotes heart health through personal and multi-professional care. The program's objectives are:  

• To help people regain confidence and learn how to care for themselves while living with heart disease.

• To promote heart healthy exercise and lifestyle changes while learning ways to live a healthier life.

• To help people become healthy and stay healthy through exercise, education and individual counseling.

Participants were referred to the program by a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon or family physician and were assessed by a cardiovascular health care professional to determine if they met the criteria to participate in the program.  

The 12-week program includes:

• exercise treadmill test,

• individual exercise prescription,

• supervised group exercise,

• home exercise guidelines,

• a follow-up appointment in six months, and

• education sessions.

The program will be delivered by cardiovascular nurses with the assistance of the Potash Corp Civic Center general manager and staff. Other staff involved in the program include: a dietitian, a pharmacist, a physiotherapist, a cardiac rehab coordinator, a medical director and administrative assistants. 

The two hour sessions will take place one day a week  over a 12 week period. 

-30-

For more information contact:

Stephanie Neilson-Levesque
Media Relations
1-877-499-1899
Media@HorizonNB.ca
www.HorizonNB.ca