Cardiac Wellness Institute of Calgary

Programs Offered by CWIC

Early Assessment Program         Heart Health Program        Cardiac Wellness Program    Grocery Store Tour and Nutrition Counseling

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is designed for individuals who want to determine their risk of having a heart attack.  The EAP will provide you with a customized, personal plan to assist in the lifestyle changes and the medical management (if required) to greatly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.  You can enroll in the EAP by making an appointment directly with our office.  You do not need to be referred by a physician.  As part of the program you will receive a personalized binder that will summarize your results and give you detailed recommendations of how to proceed with your plan to maintain a heart healthy lifestyle.  You will be sent a final letter outlining your results and any recommendations for follow-up.  If you want your family doctor to receive a copy of this letter you must request this.  There is a fee for this program.

The Heart Health Program (HHP) is designed for people who have been screened by a doctor and been found to have four (4) or more major risk factors for heart disease.  This program is tailored to individuals who want to determine their risk of having a heart attack.  The HHP will provide you with a customized, personal plan to assist in the lifestyle changes and the medical management (if required) to greatly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.  For admission to the HHP you must be referred by your physician.  As part of the program you will receive a personalized binder that will summarize your results and give you detailed recommendations of how to proceed with your plan to maintain a heart healthy lifestyle.  The physician that referred you to our program will be sent a letter outlining your results and any recommendations for follow-up.  There is a fee for this program.

The Cardiac Wellness Program is designed for those individuals who have experienced heart disease and strives to restore and maintain their ideal physical, mental, social and occupational well-being.  By encouraging heart healthy education and on-going exercise participation, the Cardiac Wellness Team will put you back on the road to recovery!  You must be referred to the Cardiac Wellness Program by either your family doctor or heart specialist.  Once your referral has been approved, you will be contacted by letter to arrange your attendance at Welcome Class, your ‘Introduction to Cardiac Wellness’, the first in a series of recommended education classes.  These classes address the various components of a heart healthy lifestyle and we encourage you to attend these classes before beginning the exercise component.  Your spouse or a guest is also welcome to attend the education classes.

GOALS OF THE CARDIAC WELLNESS PROGRAM:

Exercise is the most visible part of our program, but at the Cardiac Wellness Institute we believe that ALL elements of a heart healthy lifestyle are equally important.  The goals of cardiac rehabilitation are different for every client.  The Cardiac Wellness Team will assist you to develop and achieve your personal program goals.  These goals may include:

• altering  lifestyle habits that put you at risk (e.g., improving eating habits, managing stress, quitting smoking), thereby lowering your chances of developing further heart problems in the future

• improving your level of fitness

• improving your ability to perform your daily activities

• alleviating and lessening symptoms brought on by everyday activities

• gaining knowledge, skills, motivation and confidence to continue pursuing a heart healthy lifestyle once you have completed the program

Attendance in the education and exercise classes will help you meet your goals.  Our team members will collectively assist you in achieving your rehabilitation goals, and will communicate with you, your family doctor and heart specialist on an on-going basis, to keep everyone informed of your progress.

The Lifestyle Maintenance Program (LMP) is designed for graduates of any of the other CWIC programs and supports your lifelong commitment to heart health.  You can buy a two (2) month, four (4) month or annual pass to stay healthy and active.  This program includes a goal-setting session & individual assessment, two (2) supervised workouts each week, the support, guidance & expertise of ACSM Exercise Specialists® from CWIC, group warm-up and stretching classes and unlimited drop-in use of the Talisman Centre.  There is a fee for this program.

The Grocery Store Tour gives you the knowledge and skills you need to choose between foods that promote heart health and those that can increase your risk of heart disease. You'll learn to interpret Canada's new food label and gain confidence at separating the hard facts from the marketing spin. Click on the link ( Shop Smart for Your Heart ) for more details including how to register and a schedule of classes.

Nutrition Counseling can help you lower your risk of heart disease through healthy eating. A registered dietitian will work with you to develop a personalized nutrition plan focusing on your heart disease risk factors, including excess weight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Call 571-6950 to schedule an appointment.

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