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“There is no doubt in my mind that the McMaster Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has contributed to my success as a long-term transplant survivor”

In October 1989, I received a heart transplant at London Health Sciences University Hospital six days after suffering a massive heart attack. Following three months of treatment as an outpatient including six weeks of physiotherapy sessions, I was discharged and returned to Hamilton. I vowed to take better care of myself in consideration of receiving this second chance at life. Since regular exercise plays an important role in a healthy lifestyle and after attempting to exercise unsuccessfully at home, I decided to look into facilities in the community. In February 1991, I became aware of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at McMaster University and entered the program shortly thereafter. That was over 27 years ago and since then I have become a dedicated member of the MacCardiac Program exercising regularly in a bright, well equipped facility under the supervision of attentive, qualified staff. Many other men and woman of like needs attend and over time a spirit of camaraderie has grown. There is no doubt in my mind that the McMaster Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has contributed to my success as a long-term transplant survivor; one who has enjoyed and continues to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

“My overall health has greatly improved. My cardiac heath is significantly improved. My overall strength flexibility and mobility continue to improve. ”

In late March of 2018, I suffered a serious heart attack that resulted in 5 stents being placed in my right coronary artery. A great start to my recent retirement. The resulting lifestyle change included cardiac rehabilitation, diet, and exercise. I tried utilizing workout facilities where I had a membership. I was not able to undertake the recommended exercises in what seemed to be an unsupervised environment for fear of having another heart attack. I was told about PACE and I gave it a try. It is GREAT! The staff undertook an assessment of my flexibility, mobility, and taking into account my coronary health status, devised a workout program of cardio and resistance training. The program was designed considering the goal of being able to resume the certain physical activities that I enjoy prior to my heart attack. The very caring attentive staff and volunteers at PACE gave me the confidence undertake the cardiac rehabilitation exercises program. I have been attending PACE since June of 2018. My overall health has greatly improved. My cardiac heath is significantly improved. My overall strength flexibility and mobility continue to improve. These improvements are the result of the exercise and stretching routines recommended and, revised on an on- going basis, by the engaged staff at PACE. The staff at PACE are cheerful, attentive knowledgeable professionals. The student volunteers, who dedicate their time to the programs, are an integral part of the success of the PACE. Speaking with these young women and men ads to the overall experience and enjoyment of the time spent at the facility. The McMaster Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at PACE is a huge contributing factor to my success in improving my overall health. The overall atmosphere, the staff and the volunteers at PACE are big motivators in continuing to pursue the exercise program so important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“PACE is a wonderful example of the interconnections among research, education, and community engagement. Our community members are valued stakeholders in all of our research endeavours.”

PACE is a wonderful example of the interconnections among research, education, and community engagement. Our community members are valued stakeholders in all of our research endeavours and share in the training of our incredibly bright students.