Every five minutes, someone in Canada experiences a stroke. For survivors, recovery can be a long and challenging journey. Cardiac rehab after stroke can help people regain independence and reduce the risk of future health complications, including to prevent stroke recurrence.
This World Stroke Day, UHN Foundation is recognizing how a donor-supported program at UHN is helping people access the cardiac rehab tools they need to stay active, informed and engaged in their recovery.
A comprehensive cardiac rehab program
UHN Rehab’s Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Program helps more than 2,000 people annually make long-lasting lifestyle changes that will help prevent a major heart event, prevent stroke or reduce the risk of subsequent heart events.
At UHN, rehabilitation is about more than recovering from an illness or injury. It is about empowering people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take control of their health. That commitment has led to the development of innovative cardiac rehab educational resources that can support patients wherever they are.
Cardiac College™ was created by UHN Rehab’s Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Program. Originally developed to support people recovering from heart disease and cardiac procedures, the online resource provides trusted, easy-to-understand information about healthy living, exercise, medications, nutrition and risk-factor management.
The team behind Cardiac College™ recognized that patients are often overwhelmed following a major health event. Important information shared during appointments can be difficult to absorb or remember. By making educational materials available online, patients can access reliable guidance whenever they need it.
Empowering heart and stroke recovery
Today, the platform’s reach extends beyond cardiac rehab. Through Stroke Online, Cardiac College™ offers a specialized program designed for people recovering from stroke and looking to stay active and healthy.
The resource provides information to help stroke survivors:
- Safely begin and maintain exercise programs
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits including healthy eating and sleep
- Better understand factors that may affect their long-term recovery
- Manage challenges like post-stroke fatigue and sleep disorders
- Understand common medications following stroke
Stroke Online also features exercise resources tailored to a range of abilities, including:
- Aerobic and strength-training programs
- Seated exercise options and modified activities for individuals with physical impairments following a stroke
The program is designed to help participants build confidence while learning how to exercise safely and effectively.
Making cardiac rehab more accessible for everyone
Importantly, these resources are available online to anyone, helping extend the impact of UHN’s expertise far beyond hospital walls.
Thanks to donor support, we can build educational tools that help more people manage their recovery, make healthy lifestyle changes and reduce their risk of future cardiovascular events.
For stroke survivors and their families, access to trusted information can make a meaningful difference. Thanks to the generosity of donors, UHN continues to develop and expand innovative resources that support patients not only during treatment, but throughout every stage of recovery.
