|
The Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing
(CPAA) cardiac rehabilitation program is designed to meet
the needs of clients who have been diagnosed with a coronary
heart disease condition (eg. myocardial infarction, angina,
cardiac failure, arrhythmia, and recovery from heart surgery
or procedures).
The aim of the cardiac rehabilitation
program is to make exercise a natural and rewarding part of
your life. For our participants exercise therapy means an
improved quality of life as well as better health and fitness.
Our cardiac rehabilitation program
offers you the potential to:
- Better understand heart disease;
- Improve exercise capacity;
- Improve ability to deal with stress;
- Improve confidence and self-esteem,
and
- Decrease blood cholesterol.
Clients of our cardiac rehabilitation
program would (in most cases) be at least 12 weeks post cardiac
event and have appropriate medical clearance.
Specific goals of the program include
maintenance of exercise capacity or tolerance and continued
support in advising how best to make positive lifestyle changes.
A cardiac nurse will be available
during the class to answer any health-related questions. Individualised
counselling can be organised via appointment. The cardiac
nurse will liase with your general practitioner, cardiologist
and other allied health professionals to maximise your health
needs.
The cardiac rehabilitation program
comprises a series of 1-hour, weekly classes that may continue
indefinitely. Classes are conducted at various times of the
day according to demand.
The cardiac rehabilitation program
is managed by an exercise physiologist in an equipment gymnasium
setting. Specifically tailored exercises are prescribed, with
clients encouraged to work within their limitations.
The program follows a standardised
format encompassing warm-up, aerobic work and cool-down, and
may consist of various activities utilising a range of strengthening
machines and aerobic conditioning apparatus (eg. exercise
bikes and treadmills). Callisthenics, stretching and strengthening
exercises are also incorporated into sessions.
A home program is provided where
appropriate.
The cardiac rehabilitation program operates
on a fee for service basis. Fees may be paid on a per-session
basis, or clients may purchase "termcards" which
provide for "blocks" of exercise at a reduced rate.
The Centre encourages spouses to participate
in all aspects of the program at no extra cost. Children are
discouraged from attending the program.
Self-referral or referral via a doctor
or other health professional is accepted. All clients must
acquire medical clearance
prior to commencement and specific forms for this purpose
may be obtained from the Centre.
Once a referral is received, clients
are required to attend a consultation session with a specialist
"cardiac nurse." This session will provide clients
with a comprehensive risk factor assessment and tailor an
individualised education program.
Clients are discouraged from attending
exercise sessions if they feel unwell. If unwell, the best
advice is to rest and recover fully before attempting to recommence
an exercise program.
The consumption of water is actively
encouraged before, during and after all exercise sessions.
Clients are encouraged to bring their own water containers.
There are no specific age or geographical
restrictions for entry into the cardiac rehabilitation program.
All classes are ongoing throughout
the year pausing briefly for the Christmas / New Year period.
Clients may enter programs at any time of the year and continue
for as long as they wish.
Clients are encouraged to inform staff
(or contact the CPAA office) if they are intending to be absent
for a prolonged period (ie. 2 weeks or more).
Further information about the cardiac rehabilitation
program including fee schedules, session timetables, medical
referral forms and consultation appointment times may be obtained
by contacting the Centre during normal office hours on 8222
1891.
|
