Cattlemen ‘beef up’ cardiac rehab library

Nancy Lock-Physiotherapist, Dr. Steve Blanchard, Cathy Brose – Cardiac Rehab Nurse & Health Educator, and John Hancock from the Pr. Ed. Cattlemen Association.

Another show of support from the Prince Edward Cattlemen’s Association has enhanced the Prince Edward Family Health Team (PEFHT) Cardiac Rehabilitation program.

Thanks to a $2,500 contribution, the Cardiac Rehabilitation program now has an education library with up-to-date reference books, exercise DVDs, information posters, Nordic walking poles, and a cabinet to display the library material.

“We are so grateful to be able to supply patients with information specific to their condition,” says Nancy Lock, physiotherapist. “Patients are required to exercise twice weekly with us and then once on their own. With the new DVDs they have no excuses to miss that extra workout.”

In the past, the cattlemen have been instrumental in the success of the cardiac program with a donation of $70,000 to purchase all of the exercise equipment.  There have been more than 150 referrals to the program since it opened in February, 2012.

Len Munro, a recent program graduate, said the program has given him more stamina and strength.

“I was aware of what I should be doing but having the education part of the program has helped me make positive changes,” he said.

The library material will be available to patients and those who have completed the program.

“We have a state-of-the-art clinic that we can be very proud of and the addition of the educational material is certain to support patients with their self-management,”  said nurse Cathy Brose, health educator and case manager for the program.