For Health Care Providers

Diet and lack of exercise account for more than 400,000 deaths annually. Recent studies have shown that only 30 percent of the population exercises regularly; however, another 30 percent state they would like to exercise. Exercise has been shown to improve medical outcomes in chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. However, few individuals know how to begin a safe, effective exercise program.

Health care providers sometimes have little confidence in the fitness industry as there is such a wide range in qualifications. Some patients may have been encouraged to exercise, only to start out with too much activity and either injure themselves or lose motivation. Also, very little communication has taken place between the patient, health care provider and trainer. This is where my services come in.

My fitness certifications are from two of the most respected and recognized credentialing organizations in the fitness industry. They are the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist and Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist and the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology Certified Exercise Physiologist. These certifications are both recognized by the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation. I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and I am a Registered Kinesiologist with the BC Association of Kinesiologists. I am also a member of the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. I have eight years experience working with clients with chronic conditions including cardiac disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and many other conditions.

I have the background to design and supervise the ideal exercise program for individuals referred to me by their health care provider. My evaluation may include:

Health history and risk assessment (may include a PAR-MedX)
Waist Circumference
Weight and BMI calculations
Postural and balance evaluation
Range-of-motion evaluation
Exercise experience
Aerobic capacity (submaximal)
Functional muscle strength and muscular endurance tests

Once I have evaluated the client, taking particular and careful note of any specific instructions and guidelines that you share with me, I will tailor an exercise program that usually includes both cardiovascular and resistance training, stretching and relaxation. I will monitor the client’s progress and provide you with regular progress reports and follow-up information.

Referral

Private Services:

If your client would Answer "Yes" to any of the following questions, they will most likely require a PAR MED X form to be filled out by their family physician prior to starting their exercise program with Heart Strong Fitness.

Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?
Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example, back, knee or hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition?
Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?

PAR MED X FORM fax to 250-830-3324 and email sarah@heartstrongfitness.com along with any pertinent medical results (stress test, echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests)

Community Based Group Exercise:

If your client is better suited for a community based, 12 week (twice weekly) group exercise program, please fill out the Take Heart Referral Form (they do not need to have a heart condition) and fax to 250-287-3252 or email sarah@heartstrongfitness.com

I look forward to working with you to improve your patients’ health.