Ride for Rehab rolls into Toronto Rehab
Cross-Canada cyclist visits Toronto Rehab to announce funding for community cardiac programs
After a near fatal heart condition and life-saving surgery five years ago, Alex Holton would have never imagined cycling 8,000 kilometres from Vancouver to St. John’s. But after cardiac rehabilitation helped to rebuild his heart and his confidence, the 28-year-old is riding his bike across Canada, along with his partner Vanessa Parlette, to spread awareness for cardiac rehabilitation programs and encourage active lifestyles.
Alex was healthy, active and only 23 years old when he discovered he had a potentially life-threatening heart condition that required major surgery to replace and rebuild the damaged section of his heart.
After the surgery, Alex was left weak and terrified of harming himself by engaging in physical activity ─ which prevented him from fully recovering. It wasn’t until Alex enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation that he was able to find the guidance and support he needed to regain the confidence he had lost after the surgery.
“Based on research done at Toronto Rehab, we know that people who participate in cardiac rehabilitation after a major heart condition or surgery cut the risk of dying in half,” says Dr. Paul Oh, Medical Director of Toronto Rehab’s Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention program. “Our concern is that only 30 per cent of people who require cardiac rehab actually take part in it. That’s why it’s our mission to get more patients into the program so that they become fitter, stronger and healthier.”
Alex created Ride for Rehab because he wanted to give back to cardiac rehab by raising awareness and funds for participating cardiac rehab centres across the country, as well as encourage active lifestyles to prevent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. His goal is to raise more than $16,000 for cardiac rehab and support education and research by funding a $3,000 graduate cardiac rehab scholarship.
“Issues with cardiac health don't have to mean the end of an active lifestyle,” says Alex, who began his first ever cross-country journey on May 29. “I entered rehab doing slow shuffles on a treadmill and by the time I left, I could run. Without the confidence and guidance cardiac rehab gave me, I have trouble imagining that the trip Vanessa I are attempting this summer would even be a possibility.”
“Exercise is the most powerful therapy when it comes to rebuilding damaged hearts,” says Dr. Oh. “People who complete cardiac rehab are encouraged to continue regular daily exercise. The Heart Wise Exercise program steers people in the right direction by identifying safe, suitable and heart-friendly fitness programs in the community as they transition from the hospital to the home. We are thrilled that the Ontario Trillium Foundation is investing in the Heart Wise Exercise program.”