Stroke Prevention Service

Reducing the Risk of Another Stroke

Twenty per cent of people who survive a stroke will have a second stroke within two years.

Toronto Rehab’s Risk Factor Modification and Exercise Service following Stroke helps people reduce their risk of having another stroke.

The six-month program is designed to reduce the chances of another stroke through:
regular exercise

• improving cardiovascular (heart) fitness

• increasing muscular strength

• education and support for lifestyle changes

Providing a Safe, Personalized Program

Our interprofessional health care team provides all participants with individualized care and support.

Participants begin the program with a cardiopulmonary exercise assessment. This measures their baseline heart fitness. Based on their needs and abilities, the team
creates a personalized program of exercise and education.

Participants attend one supervised exercise class a week at our Rumsey Centre. Each class consists of:

• a warm-up and stretching routine

• aerobic (walking) and resistance training (hand held weights)

• an interactive education session

• peer-to-peer support

Individuals are expected to carry out their own exercise program at home four more times a week. All participants keep a weekly diary to help them with their progress.  Exercise specialists work closely with participants to help them achieve their goals.

 

Additional Support for Lifestyle Changes

Participants may also receive one-to-one or group sessions with a psychologist or social worker to deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, anger, and social and emotional issues.

Nutritional counselling is available on an individual or group basis.

Educational seminars and group discussions provide information to help participants understand and reduce their risk of stroke.

 

Getting Started

Your doctor must refer you to this program.  
 

Maintaining Heart Health

Heart health is lifelong commitment. To help program graduates maintain their lifestyle changes, Toronto Rehab offers the program Heart Health for Life presented by Scotiabank.