July 2002

Volume 8, Issue 7

The Cardiac Inquirer...because
inquiring minds want to know

Inside this Newsletter

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New Participants

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Travel Tips

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No Class, Thursday, July 4

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Ask Cora!

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4th of the High 5

Please welcome:

bulletArt Stascausky, 7:00am & 7:25am
bulletShirley Deneau, 7:25am
bulletCamille Fong, 5:30pm

Travel Tips

bulletCarry identification, your medical history, a list of your medications and physicians. A Medic Alert bracelet or a Heart Chart can make or break a trip.
bulletKeep your medications with you, not packed in a suitcase that could get lost.
bulletInvest in a suitcase that rolls and bring cash to tip porters to carry bags that are heavy.
bulletPrioritize and pace activities as you prepare for departure, during the trip, and upon your return. Adding too much to your to do list creates a great deal of stress physically and mentally and reduces the fun of the trip.

Independence Day, July 4, No Class!

Ask Cora!

by Cora Nary.

Dear Cora,

Ha ha. Have I ever pulled the wool over you! I just write what I know you want me to say on my exercise sheet.

Signed,

Creative Writer

Dear Creative,

The exercise sheets do look very nice when the staff looks them over after each class!  I guess everyone feels a great job was done by all when you do it that way.  However, each entry on the sheet does serve a medical purpose and helps cue the staff to follow up to make sure your self-assessment skills are finely tuned and that your exercise prescription is on target!  Trade in your creative writing talents for some scientific data collection.  You can learn some very interesting information about yourself.

Signed,

Cora

PS.  Don't forget to indicate on the exercise sheets the dates you will not be in class!

4th of the High 5

CTF has developed the "High 5", the five main reasons CTF can make a difference in your life. We highlighted the first three in previous newsletters:

  1. It reduces mortality.

  2. You receive a customized treatment program tailored to your needs.

  3. You receive ongoing medical supervision.

When you have heart disease, breaking old habits and learning new ones can be stressful. Wondering about your future health can be stressful too. The support of family and friends, as well as healthcare providers, can make a big difference in how well you adjust to these changes.

Denial, fear and lack of knowledge regarding risk factor modification are all ingredients for a reduced quality and quantity of life. CTF provides a milieu that fosters change in a very effective, positive way. It allows you to build the foundation for skills you need to minimize your future cardiovascular risk.

Friendships are built and nurtured, which contribute to quality of life, and you benefit from seeing your peers with the same issues, concerns and fears.

Think about how CTF has changed your life and convey that to your doctor and your friends who may also benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.