The Saanich spawning ground of a heart-strengthening program is celebrating a $5,000 boost thanks to a like-minded Victoria-based organization.
A recent First Open Heart Society of B.C. donation ensures the Take Heart program at Saanich Commonwealth Place continues offering the 12-week cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program.
“We are grateful for the society’s support for this vital program for people in our community with cardiac or chronic conditions,” health services programmer Lisa Banks said in a news release. “Thanks to this community partnership, more people can take steps to improve their health and quality of life.”
Take Heart is a supervised exercise program benefiting those who have had a heart event, or other risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes and lung or kidney disease. Commonwealth is one of three local locations the program is available. Saanich was the inaugural site for the Take Heart program developed in partnership with Island Health 23 years ago.
Dr. Victor Aldrete, vice-president of First Open Heart, says the organization is pleased to support the program and see it continue.
“When someone has experienced a heart event or may be at risk of one, they need support to manage their heart health to the best of their ability. That’s where the Take Heart program comes in,” Aldrete said.
The rehabilitation program offers individualized assessment, personal exercise plan, aerobic and strength training and informal risk factor information. Participants need a referral or doctor’s approval to register.
