The Comox Valley Cardio-Pulmonary Wellness program will be available to members of the community with heart and lung conditions starting this month.
The concept for this program started when a health-care team from St. Joseph’s saw a need for an accessible and sustainable exercise programs for people with heart and lung problems.
A pilot project was completed in 2014 via funding through the First Open Heart Society and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation from donations. Six clients graduated from the eight-week education and exercise program.
Clients had a 20 per cent increase in exercise capacity and improved quality of life.
The steering committee, made up of St. Joseph’s medical staff, a CSEP certified exercise physiologist, and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation has partnered with the Town of Comox for the next phase of the program.
The program utilizes the Living Well with COPD and St. Paul’s Healthy Heart education modules, and the policies and procedures for the community based, Island Health supported Take Heart exercise program, which has been running for years throughout the Island.
The program starts January 2015 at the Comox Community Centre twice weekly and will be led by a CSEP certified exercise physiologist, BCRPA third age fitness leader and additional health care professionals.
The cost of the 12-week program is $384 ($16/session) and subsidy may be available through the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation for those who qualify. Physician referral is required. Referrals can be found on both the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and the Town of Comox websites.
Questions about the program can be directed to Sarah Wright at cvcpwp@gmail.com or the Comox Community Centre. If you would like to make a donation to support this program contact Lynn Dashkewytch 250-890-3046 or visit the website cvhospitalfoundation.ca.