Small But Mighty Group Making a Difference in Kelowna’s Heart Health

Walkers for the Walk of Life starting at the Mission Sports Fields in Kelowna. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

This small group creates a big difference, thanks to walkers who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready to help those with cardiac issues in Kelowna.

Saturday morning marked the Walk of Life, held by the Central Okanagan Association for Cardiac Health (COACH) in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation. This is COACH’s third year doing the event, which is on its 50^th year across Canada.

Warm up for the walk. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com

The 1K to 6K walk raises money for cardiac rehabilitation in Kelowna through both COACH and their partner maintenance program. “We’re a non-profit organization,” says Jennifer Taylor, clinical exercise physiologist. “A lot of these funds will go directly to purchasing equipment we need in our facility.”

In addition, the money helps people go through the program who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it. “We don’t turn anyone away,” says Taylor. “If someone can’t afford our user fees, then we will subsidize them.” About 400 people a year through the COACH program in Kelowna, and once they’re able to exercise on their own, many transfer to maintenance program.

Though many may think that cardiac rehabilitation is a problem for older generations, that’s not necessarily true. Taylor has been with COACH for 12 years, and she says that in the last five years, the demographic has been getting younger. Part of this, she says, is due to early diagnosis and more awareness. She also talked, however, about the high stress levels in people’s lifestyles. “I think we live under more stress than we realize and it’s amazing how that affects your heart health,” said Taylor.

Setting off on the first kilometre. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

The annual Walk of Life in Kelowna usually has about 100 participants, but Taylor says that they typically raise between $20,000 to $25,000. “We are small, but we’re mighty,” she said. “We have quite a few people that are really dedicated.”

She says that the dedication of this group is a testament to how activity and the clinic have helped people’s lives, allowing them to be healthy enough to do the walk every year.

For more information about COACH, check out their website.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com