Taking a Pro-Active Approach to Active Living Delivers Increased Mobility and Weight Loss
Ken and Pat Ritchie: increasing activity, eating well and dropping pounds.
Angioplasty, two knee replacements and hip replacement surgery aren’t holding Ken Ritchie back – in fact they were likely the catalysts for his increased activity levels and an impressive 25lbs. weight loss. Following his angioplasty at the end of May 2011, Ken was slated for a cardiac rehabilitation program at the Talisman Centre in Calgary, which would have meant a 100 km trek several times a week from Canmore to Calgary. Fortunately, the Bow Valley Primary Care Network’s (PCN) Active Living Program was able to deliver the support and exercise facilities Ken needed locally.
Ken enrolled in the twelve-week Active Living Program offered at the Canmore General Hospital, under the supervision of the PCN’s Physical Therapist, Todd Wolansky. His four days per week exercise included increasing levels of walking speed up to a brisk 3.5km an hour, resistance exercises and other physical activities aimed at improving flexibility and overall fitness. “Todd and the nurses were excellent,” says Ken. “I’m getting around so much better – when you take 25 lbs. off your back it’s bound to show.”
A few surprises
Ken’s wife, Pat, was already knowledgeable about dietary matters even before Ken’s procedures and has never been a fan of processed foods. Nevertheless, she chose to attend the PCN’s Cholesterol and Label Reading workshop, led by Dietitian Lesley Arnsdorf. Pat comments that there were a few surprises, especially concerning the sugar and sodium content of some foods. “We’ve cut right back, I’m using more low fat recipes and we’re eating smaller portions.” As Ken trimmed his weight, Pat, too, has dropped pounds and is feeling the benefits.
A former hockey player, Ken still curls regularly. Today he enjoys his increased level of activity and trimmer silhouette and is managing the effects of osteoarthritis better. He says, when it comes to health, “You have to be proactive”, adding (regarding the angina that signalled his need for angioplasty), “You don’t know what’s going on – when you get that funny feeling, get yourself in for tests!” Now Ken has completed the initial program, he’s exploring different options with Active Living Consultant, Randi Lynn Rinaldi, to ensure that he keeps up his activity level and his new fitness standard.
For more information about the Bow Valley Primary Care Network’s healthy eating and active living workshops, click on News and Events.
Coming soon – watch for our Spring into Health self-directed program aimed at healthy lifestyle changes.