Walking to better hearts is a family affair

Sunday April 29, Headwaters Health Care Centre's Cardiac Wellness Program will host a Walk-of-Life at Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville.

Mike Walker, the exercise physiologist who has overseen the program since its inception, invites the community to join current and former patients on a five-kilometre walk along the scenic lakeside Vicki Barron Trail.

This great family event will help promote the benefits of physical activity and raise awareness of heart disease. The goal is to raise funds to support the purchase of exercise equipment for Headwaters Cardiac Wellness Program.

To date, the program has benefited more than 300 people in Dufferin-Caledon. Participants learn to manage their heart condition and create permanent positive lifestyle changes to maintain good health.

The program is designed to help patients recover faster and prevent further progression of their heart disease through supervised exercise classes and educational sessions. Exercise classes consist of treadmill walking and stationary cycling, along with stretching and muscle conditioning. The exercise program is tailored to the individual based on the results of their exercise stress test. Information about cardiac risk factors, cardiac medications, heart healthy nutrition, exercise guidelines, and stress management complement the program.

Registration is $15 per person and the fee includes parking and park admission for the day. Participants are encouraged to raise money by collecting pledges. For a copy of the registration form, or for more, contact Mike Walker at 519-941-2702 ext. 2220 or mwalker@headwatershealth.ca.