MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release:
February 16, 2016

LHSC's Cardiac Fitness Institute opens its doors

(LONDON, Ontario) - London Health Sciences Centre's (LHSC) Cardiac Fitness Institute (CFI) is opening its doors and providing information to anyone with a history of heart disease during National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, Feb. 14-20.

The National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week slogan, "Changing Lives One Heart at a Time," fits perfectly the CFI's goal of providing cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention. CFI is a medically supervised program for all physician-referred individuals from London and South Western Ontario.

The free life-long program offers stress tests, dietary support, exercise prescriptions, and a facility furnished with exercise equipment - all under the supervision of a physician, nurses and exercise therapists. Individuals are able to exercise alone or take part in group exercise classes.

"Anyone with a history of coronary surgery, heart attacks, heart failure, heart transplant, angioplasty, angina and congenital cardiovascular disease is welcome to our program," says Dr. Larry Patrick, CFI Medical Director, LHSC. "This is a wonderful opportunity to see our program in action before seeking a physician referral."

Media event:

Date:   Wednesday, Feb. 17

Time:   Noon

Location:  Cardiac Fitness Institute
                    London Health Sciences Centre - Building 14
                    Victoria Hospital (End of Western Counties Rd.)


Physicians, nurses and program staff will be available to answer questions and provide blood pressure checks for interested individuals on Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 11 am-3 pm. Heart healthy snacks and refreshments will also be available.

** Media are asked to RSVP to Kathy Leblanc if you are planning to attend**

For media inquiries contact:
Kathy Leblanc
Corporate Communications and Public Relations
London Health Sciences Centre
519-685-8500, ext. 74772
kathy.leblanc@lhsc.on.ca

After-hours assistance:
Call LHSC Switchboard at 519-685-8500 and ask to page the communications consultant on-call.

Visit the LHSC Media web site at www.lhsc.on.ca/media
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