For the last couple of years, Prince George residents trying to get care after a cardiac-related incident have had limited options for recovery.
Well, after ending its program in 2017, the YMCA of Northern B.C. is revitalizing its cardiac rehabilitation program this month, which will once again put participants through Prince George’s first exercise-based regiment.
To celebrate the accomplishment, the city was able to take part in the National Walk of Life for the first time today (June 1), a 35-year movement calling for more funds and awareness on getting residents the help they need to live a full life.
“Cardiac rehabilitation really is a critical piece of the whole cardiac care continuum and it was in need for a long time,” said YMCA Exercise Physiologist Daeshel Heidelbach to PrinceGeorgeMatters at Masich Place Stadium this morning, where she organized the 6 km walking event.
She explained the YMCA of Northern B.C.’s cardiac rehab program began in early 2016, which took in 12 recovering patients each taking part in the eight-to-10 week sessions.
“It ran for over a year and then stopped due to staff shortages mainly; there were other factors as well, but that was the largest. We finally got the programs back off the ground again, we started doing intakes, and programs are starting up again. It’s very timely this walk is happening a week before our new cardiac program begins.”
According to Heidelbach, a full staff to keep a cardiac rehab program up and running includes several clinicians, exercise physiologists such as herself in cardiac and pulmonary fields, and some physiotherapy students going through their practicum semester.
She said she wanted to pull the trigger on hosting a Walk of Life in Prince George to raise awareness and advocacy for years to come.
“Research shows that cardiac rehab, internationally and more so in places like northern B.C., the supply is just not there for the demand,” said Heidelbach. “There are so many people out there who are in need of these services. I think we just need the programs to continue and evolve as we’re able to have that happen. And I believe that will happen with time, it just takes time.”
The YMCA’s latest revival of its cardiac rehabilitation program allowed the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada to help Prince George host today’s walk.
