Thankful Hearts Walk encourages exercise for better heart health
For people who have had a heart attack or heart surgery, those with heart disease, or anyone at risk of developing heart disease, safe exercise is medicine.
That’s why the Cardiac Rehabilitation team at Ross Memorial Hospital is encouraging the community to join its Thankful Hearts Walk from now until Oct. 30.
Unable to gather for a group walk with patients, families and friends, the Cardiac Rehab Team hopes people will participate individually or in small groups. They’re asking participants to walk, hike, bike — just get active — and celebrate their heart health.
The Thankful Hearts Walk will support Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at the Ross, and help transition outpatient clinics to virtual classes.
Participants and those wishing to sponsor them can give online through the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation website or by calling 705-328-6146.
As the pandemic began impacting hospital services early in 2020, Cardiac Rehabilitation classes and chronic disease outpatient clinics in the Ross Memorial’s Health First program were paused and staff deployed to other areas of the hospital. The team is excited now to offer virtual classes to patients, beginning today.
It was with heavy hearts that the Cardiac Rehab team cancelled its annual Walk of Life fundraising event in the spring due to the pandemic.
More than a fundraiser, the Walk of Life was a day to celebrate the efforts of the hospital’s heart patients to manage their health, and the friends and family who support them.
“We’ve missed our patients, and can’t wait to see them again through our virtual classes,” said Sue Evans, physiotherapist. “We hope people throughout the Kawartha Lakes will join us in our Thankful Hearts Walk and share pictures of their exercise activities. October is the perfect month to get out, enjoy the fall colours, and be good to your heart!”
Do you have a thankful heart? Send a picture or video of your exercise activity to and we’ll share it on social media to encourage others to get moving for good heart health.
