 News
Southlake Regional Health Centre introduces
new cardiac program
Newmarket, Ontario - March 4, 2002 - Southlake
Regional Health Centre recently celebrated the official opening
of HeartWorks in its new, expanded location. HeartWorks is a compilation
and enhancement of several existing cardiac services that are
designed to improve the overall health in individuals who are
at risk of or who suffer from heart disease.
Offering both lipid and hypertension clinics and
a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program, HeartWorks is located
in a business mall situated two blocks west of the Hospital. The
new location allows patients easy access to educational classrooms,
exercise equipment and the mall's mezzanine to use as a walking
track. Elements of the program include individualized assessment,
education and treatment to alter the deteriorating effects that
high blood pressure, poor diet and lack of physical activity can
have on the heart.
Dr. Jack Symmes, medical director of HeartWorks,
said the program is an integral part of SRHC's regional cardiac
care program.
"As a regional cardiac centre we have a responsibility
to care for people while they are in the hospital but also while
they are busy living their lives in the community. The HeartWorks
team will work with each patient to provide them with education
and an individualized treatment plan that will help improve their
lifestyle and prevent further heart damage".
Patients are required to attend an intake clinic
for risk factor assessment and physical fitness testing before
and after they have completed the cardiac rehabilitation program.
This ensures that each patient's progress can be effectively measured.
If optimum results are not achieved by the end of the 12-week
program, the patient may continue to attend the exercise component
for an extended period of time.
The HeartWorks program is made possible through
the generous support of several pharmaceutical companies including,
Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Inc., Merck Frosst Canada Ltd., Novartis,
Pfizer Canada Inc. and Sanofi-Synthelabo. Their support has allowed
HeartWorks to extend its hours of operation and enable its staff
to enhance their level of expertise.
HeartWorks operates Monday to Friday and is supported
by a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals, including
cardiologists, an endocrinologist, registered nurses, registered
dietitians, kinesiologists and a pharmacist. Future plans for
HeartWorks include the addition of a smoking cessation and a weight
loss program.
Pat Norman, Vice-President, Regional Programs;
Dr. Jack Symmes, Physician Leader, HeartWorks
and patient, Richard Van Steendelaar
unveil the new HeartWorks logo.
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