Prevention and rehabilitation are at the heart of a new cardiac care program in Salmon Arm.
A collaboration between Interior Health, Salmon Arm doctors, the Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice and ProActive Fitness, the multi-pronged program means cardiac patients will now be able to access care previously only provided in larger centres.
Shuswap Lake General Hospital dietician Tracy Lamberton is one of the point people for the program and says videoconference education is provided by the Okanagan Association of Cardiac Health ( COACH) in partnership with Interior Health's regional cardiac program.
It addresses primary prevention for those who are at risk of heart attacks or strokes and secondary prevention for those who have already had and event.
Participants can view six videos that deal with exercise guidelines and risk factors, effects of medication on the heart, stress and relaxation and heart anatomy and procedures.
"Two 'Eat Smart' classes are taught by a registered dietician," says Lamberton, who, upon a doctor's referral, directs people to the part of the program that will give them the most immediate benefit. These can include a pharmacist, exercise physiologist, social worker or physiotherapist. "We're trying to make it as friendly as possible and the (video) program makes it financially feasible."
Tracey Kirkman, executive director of the Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice, says doctors had raised concern about the lack of local rehab options for heart patients recovering from heart surgery, and or those for whom surgery might be prevented.
The Practice is supporting a one-year pilot project by proving funding for fitness equipment and space at Proactive Fitness but is hoping to be able to continue funding the program on an ongoing basis.
"It's a very important piece, linking with Heather (Stanton) to make sure people are getting the benefits of exercise," she says. "We're very lucky to have someone with her expertise in the community so we can fill in that gap."
Dr. Scott McKee, head of internal medicine in Salmon Arm, agrees and says exercise is a critical component of care for heart patients, as is the need for it to take place in a controlled environment.
He says symptoms vary in individuals, with some being very subtle, so having someone like UBC trained kinesiologist Heather Stanton.
"Given the demographics of this program, we need a place for those specialized programs; they are not the ones typically run in the average gym," he says, emphasizing the importance of exercise, not just for heart health, but for mental health, reducing arthritis, and just even sleeping better which is an important health issue. "It almost becomes more important as we get older; there's so much research showing the importance of using exercise to prevent or manage chronic health issues."
Celebrating Proactive Fitness' 10th anniversary, co-owner Stanton says she has always had an interest in helping people fulfil their fitness potential, whatever their issues and abilities.
She has continued to update her credentials by taking a variety of courses, including ongoing training in hip and knee replacements, COPD, arthritis, osteoporosis and cardiac exercise.
She is a member of BC Parks and Recreation Trainer of Fitness Leaders Association and, as such, is qualified to train other fitness instructors.
Referrals to the program are available at local physicians' office.