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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-10-28, Page 15Healthy Hearts gets new wheels Dave Sykes signal -star publisher Clients with heart and mobility is- sues will be able to pedal their way to better health at the Healthy Hearts in Huron County program thanks to. a $15,000 donation from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Exercise bikes are essential to the fitness component of the cardiac reha- bilitation program of Healthy Hearts but conventional bikes didn't accom- modate all interested or referred cli- ents of the program. The donation from the Trillium Foundation Friday, was used to purchase three new `re- cumbent' bikes and a wheelchair ac- cessible machine that allows people with mobility issues the opportunity to participate in the program. Huron -Bruce Liberal MPP, Carol Mitchell, who assisted with the pre- sentation along with OTF represen- tative, Muriel Murphy of Goderich, praised the staff and volunteers who have provided meaningful program- ming and healthy support to hundreds of program participants since the in- ception of the non-profit organization in 1994. "I am very pleased to be announc- ing this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant for such a worthy and important project," Mitchell said. "Allowing those that have suffered from heart issues in the past the ability to reha- bilitate with trained staff in this mar- velous facility is a true benefit to the community and surrounding area." With memories of bypass surgery still fresh in his mind, program par- ticipant Mayor Deb Shewfelt knows first hand the benefits of ongoing physical therapy and what it means to quality of life. "I am a participant in this program and I know the value of what the staff and programs mean to the quality of life for me and people in this area," he said. "It has made all the difference for many people." The Healthy Hearts program serves Huron County and has 175 active members in eight classes. Sixteen hours of exercise classes are offered weekly for groups of 15 to 20 par - Photo by Dave Sykes Muriel Murphy, left, of the Ontario Trillium Foundation was on hand to present a cheque for $15, 000 to the Healthy Hearts of Huron County program Friday. Program co-ordinator, Eleanor Brewster, right, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization. Huron - Bruce MPP, Carol Mitchell and Goderich Mayor, Deb Shewfelt, were on hand for the presentation and took a spin on the bikes. ticipants Program Director Eleanor Brewster said. "The pillars of the program are ex- ercise, education and support but it is also the comraderie that really makes the program work. It's contagious," she said. "Some people have been at- tending the program the entire time it has been in existence. They have modified their lifestyle, get needed exercise and cholesterol control." The Trillium donation means that clients with mobility issues will have a wheelchair accessible machine and other units will have larger seats to providebetter stability and comfort. For Foundation board member Murphy, it was gratifying to see funds used for healthy purposes in LUBE - OIL - FILTER Ail Gas Powered Cars and Light Trucks $3qoo Plus Tax Includes: EHE (Environmental handling charge), up to 5L of oil, Fluid Top Ups, Exterior Car Wash. No Disposal Fees. Shuttle Service, McGEE Motors Ltd. Your Full Line GM Dealer 180 Suncoast Drive E. 519-524-8391 the riding. "It's great to see money needed given to the purchase of bikes," she said. "Trillium grants are given to organizations like Healthy Hearts to accommodate needs where they don't have the funds to purchase such items." A non-profit, stand-alone organi- zation, Healthy Hearts occupies per- manent space in the YMCA Maitland Recreation Centre and offers medi- cally -supervised programs majoring in three distinct areas of cardiac reha- bilitation. The exereise bikes used for cardiac rehabilitation are well used by the community on a regular ba- sis as well. The War Amps Champs... on the road to independence o Through the CHAMP bo Program for child amputees, The War Amps is there to help from the very start, with financial assistance for artificial limbs, peer support O o and regional seminars. o Hn',, it dlatiOn, =_ n t•ic F ZEE ACES: TEL.. 1 800-2.511-3r; 30 FAX: 1 800 219 8988 fI, waramps.ca Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - Page 15 Silhouette brings you glamour. 1n ONE MILLION AEROPLAN MILES Silhot:uette HD brings you the WORLD Visit ,'our nearest participating Hunter Douglas dealer and ask • how you can get a chance to win 1.000.000 Aeroplan Mies when you purchase select Hunter Douglas product- HunterDouglas For your complimentary In-home consultation Paul & Finola MacGinty 519-524-5773 xxx Huron County Health Unit 519-482-3416 or 1-877-837-6143 URON www.huroncounty.calhealth COUNTY VACCINE CLINIC SCHEDULE Clinics starting for those at high risk: • Residents with a chronic medical condition 6 months - 64 years old (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, conditions that weaken your imune system) • Household contacts and care providers of - Infants under 6 months of age - People with weakened immune systems • Healthy children 6 months - 4 years old Children will require two doses of the vaccine. CLINTON Jacob Memorial Building (beside Huron County Health Unit), 77722D London Road Wednesday, October 28 from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 2 from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4 from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 6 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. • All pregnant women with pre-existing health conditions • Healthy pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy (20+ weeks) GORRIE Howick Central Public School, 45010 Harriston Road Thursday, November 5 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. LUCKNOW Brookside Public School, 36937 Belgrave Road Tuesday, November 3 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Clinic dates for the special HIN1 vaccine for healthy pregnant women Tess than 20 weeks will be announced when the vaccine becomes available. Multiple clinics for all other residents will be starting mid-November. Check www.huroncounty.ca/health for clinic dates.