Windsor-Essex Cardiac Rehab Program

Description:

The Cardiac Rehab Program is located in the basement of the University of Windsor's Human Kinetic's Department building. It is a medically monitored exercise (including yoga, Qi Gong) and aqua fitness program for persons with physician approval who have or at risk of cardiovascular health conditions.

Your Responsibilities:

Take blood pressures of participants before exercise begins.
Take the radial pulse of each participant before exercise begins (measure the heart rate, quality, regularity of rhythm)
Teach (educate) clients on how to take their own radial pulse and what to measure, feel, rate, quality of pulse and the regularity.
Take the apical pulse of each participant once semester - assures that an assessment was done at the onset of the program.
Take the blood pressure on both arms once a semester - assures that an assessment was done at the onset of the program.
Auscultate the chest of participants once a semester or as needed (if participant is short of breath, coughing, experiencing breathing problems).
Take oxygen saturation levels prior to, during and post exercise.
Take the height, weight of the participant once a semester and calculate the BMI and what the number means and what the participant can do to reach the optimal BMI.
Assist with fit testing.
Walk the track with participants.
Come prepared to this program with running shoes, comfortable clothing, own stethoscope and ID.

Learning Opportunities:

Observe the benefits of physical activity.
Work with individuals to increase self management of health problems.
Become familiar with the resources available to support and meet the needs of participants interested in heart health.
Identify the local and provincial resources available to educate clients/caregivers about heart health.

Required Readings:

Heart and Stroke Foundation's Physical Activity Guides and printed materials and online resources.
Medline Plus - cardiac disease, tests and procedures.
Public Health Agency of Canada's Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults.

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