Ongoing exercise programmes for Cardiac Rehabilitation

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On Completion of Phase III of your Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme it is really important that you continue with a regular exercise routine Regular exercise is known to improve health and can improve the long-term outlook of people who develop Cardio-Vascular disease by improving cardiovascular fitness and reducing risk factors. Current guidelines state that to gain health benefits, we all need to do physical activity on most days of the week, at a moderate intensity level for 40-60 minutes.

Whilst you are participating in the eight-week hospital programme, you will be guided and supervised by the hospitals Cardiac Rehab Team. But when you come to the end of that program you may wonder “What happens now? Will I be able to cope on my own?”. You don’t have to cope alone. There are a number of options available to you within the Milton Keynes area, which will enable you to carry on with your exercise program and continue to feel the benefits physically, mentally and socially, from participating in regular exercise.

This guide is intended to give you the opportunity to understand what options are available to you and select the one that is best for you and allow you to continue exercising after the hospital program. Read through each option carefully and maybe discuss it with your family before making your decision. If you have any queries or concerns about any of the options listed, then please feel free to discuss this with a member of the Cardiac Rehab Team at Milton Keynes Hospital.

Before leaving phase III, please inform the team which option you plan to continue with.

The information provided is for guidance only and the cardiac rehab team do not endorse any scheme.

Milton Keynes Community Cardio – pulmonary Group (MKCCG)

Milton Keynes Community Cardio – pulmonary Group (or MKCCG for short) provides support for people from Milton Keynes and surrounding areas who have had a heart problem or heart surgery. MKCCG offers a six-week course for people who have recently completed the hospital programme or have been referred by their GP or Practice Nurse. It is held at Hinton Hall, Bletchley on Monday evenings. The course is free, as it is paid for by the Primary Care Trust. The course is run by a team of health professionals and qualified exercise instructors. The professionals are supported by a group of volunteer helpers.

The sessions are carefully planned so that each person can exercise at the right level for them, and each session includes a warm-up, main exercise session and cool-down. The session also includes a break for refreshments and a chance to chat to fellow members, and a guided relaxation period at the end; a time to relax your mind as well as your body, and allow staff to ensure that everyone has recovered properly after their exercise. After the initial six weeks, you have the opportunity to join the MKCCG and exercise at one of its other weekly sessions. You can choose from Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

To join the Milton Keynes Community Cardiac -Pulmonary Group or for more information contact:

Hayley Hilmy
Telephone:
01908 632999
Address:
Milton Keynes Community Cardiac Group,
Hinton Hall, 296a Whaddon Way, Bletchley,
Milton Keynes, MK3 7GB
www.mkcardiacgroup.org

The Cardiac Rehabilitation team will refer you to the exercise group on completion of your phase 3 programme. If you have not attended the phase 3 programme with the Hospital, you can self-refer to the exercise group so please contact them directly.

Physical Activity Programmes in Milton Keynes
So you want to get active but just don’t know where to look? Then the Leisure facilities and Sports Development website is the site for you. For all your physical and sporting activity needs just follow the links or search for an activity on the MK Active website and find out about the opportunities that Milton Keynes has for you. The site includes details of the MK Health walks, Nordic Walking and GP Exercise Referral Schemes. Health Walks are a great way to improve your health and fitness whilst enjoying the fresh air and meeting new people. Walks of varying distance and pace take place around Milton Keynes, last around an hour and are all free!

MK Nordic Walking: Book on the courses and walks www.mknordicwalking.co.uk
At Reactivate MK you will find a whole variety of opportunities for getting active. Activities available are open to all adults regardless of age, fitness and ability. A booklet is available which includes all the activities available. To discover how you can improve your health through everyday activities or to join an organised group event contact:

01908 253154
Email: leisure&[email protected]
www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/sportsdev

Milton Keynes Health Clubs and Leisure Centres
By the end of your Phase III Exercise Programme, you may feel that with the confidence you have gained you would prefer to carry on exercising independently of an organised scheme. There are also other benefits to exercising independently, including flexibility of where and when you exercise, which is important to ensure you carry on exercising for life and reduce any possible reasons for not being able to do so. It is always a good idea to arrange a visit to any health club you are thinking of joining. Ensure you arrange an appointment which will incorporate a full tour of their facilities and a chance to meet and talk to qualified members of their fitness team. Some of the centres should be able to offer you a visitors pass before you commit to joining, which will allow you to try out the facilities to ensure you feel comfortable and happy with both the club and its staff.

Before commencing an independent exercise program, make sure you adhere to the exercise principles you have learnt during your time in Phase III. If you are uncertain about anything, then discuss your concerns with a member of the fitness team in the facility you are using. They are there to assist and guide you and to help make sure you achieve your goals.

Milton Keynes Personal Trainers
For some people, understandably, the thought of joining a gym or any other organized programme, may be too daunting at this stage, or even unsuitable in terms of location, times etc. If this is you, you may want to consider personal training, either for just a short period or indefinitely. Certified personal trainers can provide structure and accountability, and help you develop a lifestyle that encourages health. If you have any chronic health conditions or injuries a trainer will work with you to plan a safe, efficient program that considers these needs and enable you to reach your health goals.

Most personal trainers work with you in your own home. If you don’t have the time or interest in going to a gym, but have a hard time knowing what to do on your own at home. Before you hire a personal trainer you should ask them: What are their qualifications and certification? A qualified personal trainer has an education in physiology, health promotion, athletic training, or a similar field. They should have first aid and CPR certification as well as Cardiac Rehab certification from a reputable organization such as BACPR.

You can find a personal trainer through the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS):

BACPR Exercise Instructor
These instructors have undertaken a Training Programme which provides specialist training for exercise professionals who want to prescribe and deliver exercise programmes as part of the overall long-term management of individuals with heart disease. There are now more than 2000 qualified instructors spread across the UK. This course has developed strong links between exercise professionals and clinical professionals within the field of cardiac rehabilitation to enable a high standard of care for the individual with heart disease. The BACPR website also contains a link to find Cardiac Rehabilitation sessions in your area: http://maps.cardiac-rehabilitation.net/
Contact the BACPR on 01252 720640.

British Heart Foundation
When you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition it’s natural to need time to come to terms with what has happened to you and how your everyday life may be affected. Getting the answers, you need to your questions can help reassure you that you can still live your life to the full.

Learn more about day to day life with a heart condition.
The following website contains links to find a Heart Support Group, join an online support community and order lifestyle publications which give vital information about living with a heart condition and how to look after your heart health, including books on exercise:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport
Telephone the Heart Helpline 0300 330 3311.

You will also find information on getting involved in various events. You can choose from inspirational events all over the UK and beyond. From bike rides to hikes, skydiving to swimming, school events to runs, there’s sure to be an event just right for you. Take part and help in the fight for every heartbeat. Have fun, get fit, save lives! Before leaving phase III, please inform the team which option you plan to continue with.

We want to help you continue with a regular exercise routine, so if you are still unsure of your next step or need additional information then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the

Cardiac Rehab Team:

Nursing Team:
Felicia Gnanaprakasam
Lucy Davies

Exercise Specialist:
Claire Stapleton
Cardiac Rehab Secretary
Claire Marshall
Telephone: 01908 996408

The information provided is for guidance only and the cardiac rehab team do not endorse any particular scheme.