REH · PDF fileour new Reh-Fit Centre video! how are you feeling today? To find out more about the Reh-Fit Centre’s programs and services, visit

meeting a new standard 3

lifting the cloud of depression 4

living a healthier life 6

boosting energy with nutritional counselling 8

recovering from a stroke 10

eliminating diabetes medication 12

active aging 16

finding a healthy balance 18

2 0 1 4 R e h - F i t M a g a z i n e

R e h - F i t

It has long been recognized that regular

physical activity wards off diabetes and

cardiovascular disease, helps combat

depression, and lowers blood pressure.

Equally important, it gives us more energy

and just makes us feel better.

So why are we reluctant to make physical

activity a priority? Simply put, it’s difficult

to change our long-term habits. While

we may start out on a path with good

intentions, sustaining those new activities

can be a challenge.

Is there a solution? At the Reh-Fit Centre,

our specialized team of experts works

with more than 10,000 people every

year in helping them solve that very

issue. What we’ve found is that it’s

a combination of education, coaching,

and activity that delivers the most

lasting and positive results.

There are signs that the benefits of our

comprehensive approach are gaining

traction in the community. We’ve provided

doctors with referral pads and are seeing

more of them prescribing physical activity

and participation in our programs to help

their patients reduce their reliance

on medication and, in some cases,

eliminate the need for surgery.

In this magazine you’ll read the incredible

stories of some of those individuals who

have turned to the Reh-Fit to manage or

prevent a chronic disease. As Canada’s

first certified medical fitness facility,

the Reh-Fit is focused on providing a

welcoming environment so that people

of all ages and abilities can feel safe

and supported along the way.

I hope you’ll be inspired to realize that

living a healthier life is not only possible,

but also that it is a journey you don’t have

to take alone. I encourage you to stop by

the Reh-Fit Centre for a tour to see how

we can help you live your best life.

Sue Boreskie

CEO, Reh-Fit Centre

Scan here to watch

our new Reh-Fit

Centre video!

how are you feeling today?

To find out more about the Reh-Fit Centre’s programs and services, visit www.reh-fit.com

H e l p i n g P e o p l e L e a d H e a l t h i e r L i v e s | 3

This Canada-wide set of shared standards

for charities and non-profits demonstrates

that the Reh-Fit has met externally-

established standards and achieved

excellence in five key areas including:

• Board Governance

• Financial Accountability and Transparency

• Ethical Fundraising

• Staff Management

• Volunteer Involvement

Sue Boreskie, CEO of the Reh-Fit Centre,

says that meeting Imagine Canada’s

standards is important for many reasons.

“It ensures that our funders, the public,

and other stakeholders can have

complete confidence that we are

operating in an ethical, accountable,

and transparent manner.”

Albert Krahn, Chair of the Reh-Fit Centre,

says that this accreditation sets the

Centre apart. “Now when individuals

see the ‘Trust Mark’ symbol on our

material, they will know we are adhering

to the highest possible standards.”

The Reh-Fit Foundation raises funds

to help Manitobans lead healthier lives

and ensure that everyone has access

to the health and wellness programs

and services they need.

Mike Sampson, Chair of the Reh-Fit

Foundation, agrees that donors are

looking for a greater level of assurance.

“We’ve always enjoyed a high level of

trust with our donors, but this gives them

the added assurance that their dollars

are being used in the best possible way.”

Currently 83 organizations across

Canada have achieved Imagine

Canada certification.

reh-fit meets a new standardThe Reh-Fit Centre and the Reh-Fit Foundation have achieved accreditation from Imagine Canada’s Standards Program.

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Carol’s daughter suggested that she

visit the Reh-Fit. “I didn’t feel like doing

anything, but I came to the Reh-Fit and

had to lift my feet and just move. I started

with Indo-Row® but wasn’t really fully there

if you know what I mean. But I did it and

I did it well. I continued and somehow,

after two to three months, this cloud

began to lift.”

Recognizing the improvement in her

condition, Carol re-committed her efforts

to fitness. “I began to get excited about

the fact that I was fit. So I started taking

other classes like The Ride, and Group

Power, which is my favourite. They provided

a discipline and a structure in my life –

both of which are so important when

you’re feeling depressed.”

Carol Haines had been struggling with depression and anxiety for several months. She had been to see her physician and was trying various prescription medications. “Nothing was working,” says Carol. “My world was flat and black. If you’ve never felt depression before, it felt like a physical sickness… it felt like my world was over.”

lifting the cloud of depression

carol haines


We know that exercise is a proactive

way to enhance our physical condition

and combat disease, but did you know

that exercise is now recognized as an

essential element in building and

maintaining good mental health?

*Exercise has many psychological

benefits. For example:

• Physical activity is increasingly becoming part of the prescription for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Exercise alone is not a cure, but it does have a positive impact.

• Research has found that regular physical activity appears as effective as psychotherapy for treating mild to moderate depression. Therapists also report that patients who exercise regularly simply feel better and are less likely to overeat or abuse alcohol and drugs.

• Exercise can reduce anxiety. People who exercise report feeling less stressed or nervous. Even five minutes of aerobic exercise (exercise which requires oxygen, such as a step class, swimming, walking) can stimulate anti-anxiety effects.

• Physical exercise helps to counteract the withdrawal, inactivity, and feelings of hopelessness that characterize depression. Studies show that both aerobic and anaerobic exercise (exercise which does not require oxygen, such as weightlifting) have anti-depressive effects.

• Moods such as tension, fatigue, anger, and vigour are all positively affected by exercise.

At the Reh-Fit Centre, you can

enjoy hundreds of fitness classes

and activities available every week,

or participate in programs aimed

specifically at improving mental

health such as:

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

• Strategies for Positive Mental Health

• Anxiety – Real, Disabling, and Treatable

• Get the Most Out of Life (Strategies for Treating Depression)

• Introduction to Exercise Psychology

* Excerpts from the Canadian Mental Health Association

improve your mental health

She also began volunteering at the Centre

and enjoyed the social contacts and

opportunity to help others. “There’s an

unspoken camaraderie. Everyone is here

to feel better in so many different capacities.

When I was in the midst of depression,

I felt so absolutely alone. But when I

started talking to people, I realized that

so many others have been there too.”

Carol visits the Reh-Fit four times every

week and continues to see the difference

that her newfound level of fitness brings.

“When you’re depressed, you lose your

confidence and self-esteem. I feel so

much better about who I am because

I’m doing something that helps physically

and emotionally. I found myself here again.”

She appreciates the support she

receives at the Reh-Fit. “The place is

absolutely amazing. The staff here has

been so encouraging and always there

to help me through anything. This has

been a real journey, and, as painful as

it has been, it got me here and I’m happy

with where I’m at!”

lifting the cloud of depression

6 | R E H - F I T P O W E R 2 0 1 4

This past November, Daniel went for

a walk and felt a burning in his chest.

The pain escalated and his wife drove

him to the hospital. “The pain got worse

and when I reached the hospital I lost

consciousness. It was a cardiac arrest

with 100% blockage in my left anterior

descending coronary artery – the

one they call the ‘widow maker’.”

Daniel’s physician referred him to the

Cardiac Rehabilitation program at the

Reh-Fit Centre. “When I walked into

the classroom on my first day I felt very

weak and vulnerable. I felt so fragile

that I didn’t know if I should walk up

the stairs to the orientation room or take

the elevator. The psychologist talked to

us about the physiological impacts of

stress. I don’t think I ever paid attention

to stress in my body but subconsciously

I could feel it. Because of the program

I am more cognizant of what’s going

on with my body and it helped me

appreciate the gravity of my condition.”

As part of the program, the Reh-Fit

dietitian helps participants understand

the components of a healthy diet and

what to avoid. “I learned that I was

sometimes exceeding the limits of

sodium and saturated fats in my diet and

then justifying it by thinking I had been

active enough to counteract it. I am now

much more aware of what I’m eating.”

The Cardiac Rehabilitation program

includes an exercise program to help

participants regain their strength and

confidence. “My confidence has grown

so much that some days I do 30 minutes

of rowing, 30 minutes of treadmill and

30 minutes of cycling. None of that

would be possible without having the

sense of security provided by the overall

facility as well as having the direction of

the cardiac program’s nurse and athletic

consultant. The other thing I really like

is that it’s a great mix of all ages and

walks of life.”

As he continues to slowly re-build his

strength, Daniel knows his story might

have turned out differently. “Two weeks

before my heart attack, my Dad had a

heart attack and ultimately passed away.

It’s part of my family genetics. That’s

why I’m going to continue to come to the

Reh-Fit once the Cardiac Rehabilitation

program ends. I want to do what I can

to live a healthier life.”

Six years ago, at the age of 38, Daniel Neault went out for breakfast and felt a tightness in his chest and jaw. Suspecting he was having a heart attack, he went to the hospital but tests and an angiogram didn’t identify any blockages.

“i want to do what i can to live a healthier life”


If you have recurrent angina, recently

suffered a heart attack, or undergone

heart surgery or coronary angioplasty,

the Reh-Fit Centre’s Cardiac

Rehabilitation program can help.

As one of Canada’s foremost cardiac

rehabilitation programs, it includes

a combination of exercise and education

and involves a team of dedicated

professionals including physicians,

nurses, exercise specialists, dietitians,

and a psychologist.

More than 15,000 Manitobans with heart

disease have accessed the Reh-Fit’s

program to regain their quality of life.

Cardiac rehabilitation helps you:

• understand the level of activity you can handle safely

• restore your health and strength

• improve your diet and lifestyle

• reduce cardiac symptoms

• develop a sense of well-being and confidence

• reduce depression and anxiety, which often develop during recovery

• decrease your risk of subsequent heart attacks.

Participants pay a modest fee, with the

rest of the cost covered by the Winnipeg

Regional Health Authority. Financial

assistance may be provided based

on individual need.

renowned cardiac rehabilitation program

h e l p i n g P e o p l e l e a d h e a l t h i e r l i v e s | 7

daniel neault

“After my heart attack, I was fragile, underweight, and had to learn how to walk again. Coming to the Reh-Fit Centre gave me my life back.”

– Jeff Klyne,

Cardiac Rehabilitation participant

8 | R E H - F I T P O W E R 2 0 1 4

“I had been working out over the years

but wasn’t able to lose the weight that I

wanted. I decided to make an appointment

with the dietitian at the Reh-Fit and get

some nutritional counselling.”

As part of membership, Elaine receives

a one-hour annual session with the

dietitian and she took advantage of that.

“One of my issues was that I would get

hungrier as the day went on and would

do a lot of snacking at night. When the

dietitian looked at my eating habits, she

told me I wasn’t getting enough protein,

which helps keep you satisfied longer.

Now if I get hungry at night, I’ll eat crackers

and peanut butter or something like that

to get some protein.”

Elaine continued to meet with the

dietitian to refine her approach to food

and make small changes to help her meet

her goals. “Slowly I’m learning about food

and calories. I’ve lost about 15 pounds so

far. The dietitian introduced me to an ‘app’

on my computer that I can use to keep

track of what I eat, and then we look

at it and assess the results together.”

Combining better nutrition with physical

activity is a winning combination for

Elaine. “If I come here four times a week

to work out I will usually lose a pound.

I walk on the track, ride the recumbent

bike, do weights, and see a personal

trainer twice a year.”

The new focus on nutrition has made

a difference. “It’s nice not to have those

snack cravings at night anymore. Plus it’s

easier to relax and I don’t sweat the small

stuff as much. I feel happy and energetic

and I think this is what I need to do to

enjoy my life.”

Elaine Arsenault-Schultz began working out at the Reh-Fit Centre as a way of staying in shape. She also wanted to lose weight but found that was more difficult to do.

The Reh-Fit Centre offers nutrition and

cooking classes throughout the year. Here

are just a few of the programs we offer:

• Nutrition Basics

• Label Reading

• Grocery Store Tour

• Fat or Fiction? Understanding the Truth

• Portion Distortion

• Dash Diet Eating Plan (to prevent and treat high blood pressure)

• Cooking with Pulses

• Viva la Vegetarian

• Low Sodium Cooking

• Super Summer Salads

• Cooking for One or Two

• Cook Once, Eat for a Week

“i feel happy and energetic and think this is what i need to do to enjoy my life”

interested in learning more about nutrition?


You want to get more active, but don’t

know what kind of exercise, how often,

or how intensely you should be working

out. Where do you start?

At the Reh-Fit Centre, we start by finding

out more about your current condition with

our comprehensive Health & Fitness

Assessment. Our degreed professionals

conduct a series of baseline analyses,

such as:

• Resting heart rate and blood pressure

• Cardiovascular fitness

• Blood analysis including lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, and hemoglobin

• Muscular strength and endurance

• Flexibility

• Cardiac risk assessment

• Functional movement

• Waist circumference and body mass index

Using this baseline, we recommend

a plan that includes a combination

of physical activity and exercise class

options, nutrition counselling, and

educational programs that suit your

needs. Plus our staff is always on hand

to answer your questions, provide

alternative suggestions, help you vary

your routine, and keep you motivated.

We also share your assessment results

with your physician and continue to keep

him or her updated on your progress.

getting started the right way

h e l p i n g P e o p l e l e a d h e a l t h i e r l i v e s | 9

elaine arsenault-schultz

1 0 | R E H - F I T P O W E R 2 0 1 4

Jim was taken to St. Boniface Hospital

where they diagnosed a stroke and

quickly administered treatment. By the

next day, Jim had regained movement

and was almost fully recovered, except

for lingering dexterity issues with his

left hand. His doctor referred him to the

Reh-Fit Centre’s Stroke Exercise program.

“There were only eight of us in the class

with two instructors so the one-on-one

was excellent. The instructors designed

exercises to meet our specific needs as

we went along. A lot of us had severe

problems manipulating things with our

fingertips, so they had special exercises

for that and also to address our issues

with balance.”

It was a birthday Jim Hagemeister would never forget. “On the eve of my 79th birthday, I was watching the hockey play-offs and decided to stretch. I extended my left arm and it went limp. Then I got up and stood on my left leg and it was weak. That’s when I called my wife and she called the ambulance.”

recovering from a stroke

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H e l p i n g P e o p l e L e a d H e a l t h i e r L i v e s | 1 1

Over the eight-week program, Jim’s

condition improved. “I noticed a definite

difference. They also gave us balance

and dexterity exercises to do at home.”

For those who have experienced health

issues, feeling comfortable is a priority.

Jim agrees. “I feel safe here. The facility

offers absolutely everything that anyone

with a health problem would ever want:

exercise equipment, the people with the

expertise, plus the back-up equipment

to handle any issues. A friend of mine

collapsed on the track with a heart

attack. The Reh-Fit staff brought him

back with a defibrillator. If he had been

anywhere else, I’d hate to think what

might have taken place.”

Since completing the Stroke Exercise

program, Jim and his wife Ann have

become members at the Reh-Fit.

“After a stroke it’s very important that

you continue to exercise and build up

your strength as much as you can. Our

goal is to come here four days a week.

One of the machines I like is the NuStep.

It’s particularly good for people who

have had a stroke because it’s easy

on your body but you can still add as

much resistance as you want.”

With another birthday around the corner,

Jim reflects on the past year. “I feel very

lucky that I got the care I did and that

we have got the Reh-Fit Centre.”

The Stroke Exercise program is designed to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of subsequent strokes or cardiovascular events. Through the program, you receive an individualized assessment from the Reh-Fit’s inter-professional team of physiotherapists and fitness professionals so that you can exercise safely and track your improvement.

The Stroke Exercise program is just one of many programs offered at the Reh-Fit Centre to help manage and prevent disease. You can find complete details on these and many more programs at www.reh-fit.com

Lean, Keen, Kidney Machines – offers education and exercise for those managing all stages of chronic kidney disease.

Arthritis Self-Management Program – helps you reduce the impact of arthritis and pain in your life.

Young Onset Parkinson’s Exercise Program – demonstrates the power of exercise in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Improve Your Balance and Mobility – Falls Prevention – for those looking to improve their balance and prevent falls.

Get Better Together – shows you how to take control of your health, better manage pain, increase your energy level, and deal with fatigue and frustration.

Cancer Transitions – offers the insights and support you need to manage stress and health concerns, and foster healthy eating and exercise lifestyles, as you transition back to life beyond cancer.

restore your health

jim hagemeister

1 2 | R E H - F I T P O W E R 2 0 1 4

But that all changed when Jennifer was

diagnosed with diabetes two years ago.

“Even though I knew we had a family

history of diabetes, I was still surprised

to be diagnosed so young. But because

I was overweight and not active, I was

a bit of a ticking time bomb.”

Jennifer began taking prescription

medication for her diabetes. “When

I was first diagnosed, I was on all of this

medication and felt absolutely lousy.

I decided to come to the Reh-Fit Centre

to walk on the track because it was winter

and I didn’t want to walk outside.”

She started to feel better and noticed

another side effect. “The pounds started

falling off and once that happened

I started paying more attention. Now

I come here three times a week and

it has really boosted my energy and my

confidence. Activity makes everything

work better – even my knees stopped

hurting so much.”

Making changes slowly has been the key

to Jennifer’s success. “I’m setting mini goals.

I’ve been overweight all my life and can do

the drastic weight loss but it always comes

back. Now at the Reh-Fit I’ve gradually

lost 60 pounds in about 18 months.

I’d like to lose another 40 pounds and

then re-assess.”

Although Jennifer started on the walking

track, she has since expanded her

repertoire with the help of a Reh-Fit

personal trainer. “I wanted to learn how

to use the weights and then I tried

“Awesome Arms” – part of the Small

Group Workouts – to tone up.”

She also has adapted her eating habits

and incorporated strategies to suit her

lifestyle. “I love to snack in the evening

“I’m sure I was the kid in high school who drove my Phys. Ed. teacher crazy, because I wasn’t interested in being physically active at all,” recalls Jennifer Zilkey, age 45.

“i no longer need to take diabetes medication!”


so I make sure I allow for that in my diet.

Plus I incorporate more protein, cook

less starches, and have become more

conscious of sugar as opposed to calories.”

For Jennifer, the results are clear: “When

I was first diagnosed I was taking up to

three pills a day, then went down to two,

then one. Now I no longer need to take

any diabetes medication. My membership

at the Reh-Fit costs me a lot less than

I would have spent on medication, and

I feel so much better.”

the cost of chronic disease

1 Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Evidence, October 5, 2011; 2 PHAC, Evidence, December 5, 2011. Sources: YMCA Canada, Evidence, December 12, 2011; ParticipACTION, Evidence, December 12, 2011; PHAC, Evidence, October 5, 2011 20; Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Evidence, October 17, 2011; Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) and CNA, Evidence, October 17, 2011; Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF), and Canadian Lung Association (CLA); Evidence, October 19, 2011; Adult Living Coalition for Older Adults, Evidence, October 24, 2011; Elizabeth Badley, Evidence, November 2, 2011.

In Manitoba, more than 46% of the adult population

receives medical care for one or more chronic

conditions. These conditions negatively affect our

quality of life and reduce our lifespan.

They also contribute to rising healthcare costs with

the most recent statistics indicating that chronic

disease in our country costs the Canadian economy

$190 billion every year. Approximately $90 billion of

that total is attributed to treatment and the remainder

to lost productivity.

Overall, the treatment of chronic diseases consumes

67% of all direct health care costs.

Reduced physical activity is a key contributor to

poorer overall health with fewer than half of all

Canadians being as active as they need to be.

But much can be done to reduce our risk.

Did you know that:

• 90%oftype2diabetes,80%ofcoronaryheartdisease,and33%ofcancerscanbepreventedbyhealthyeating,regularexercise,andnotsmoking?

• asmanyas25chronicdiseasesaredirectlylinkedtophysicalinactivity,andthataninactivepersonwillspend38%moredaysinhospital,use5.5%morefamilyphysicianvisits,13%morespecialistservices,and12%morenursevisitscomparedtoanactiveperson?

• chronicdiseaseisthemajorcauseofdeath?Themostprevalentchronicconditionsarecardiovasculardisease(heartdiseaseandstroke),cancer,diabetes,andrespiratorydisease.Othercommonchronicdiseasesincludearthritis,chronicpain,andmentalhealthissuessuchasdementiaanddepression.

A greater focus on prevention strategies, coupled

with improved diagnosis and management of

chronic disease, is needed as Canada heads

into the coming years of an aging demographic.

jennifer zilkey

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young onset Parkinson’s exercise ProgramOne of the programs introduced this

past year is designed to benefit the

more than 1,200 Manitobans who have

been diagnosed with Young Onset

Parkinson’s Disease.

Based on emerging research showing

that exercise can have a significant effect

in reducing and delaying the onset of

symptoms, the Young Onset Parkinson’s

Exercise Program is delivered twice

a week over an eight-week period.

Sue Boreskie, CEO of the Reh-Fit Centre,

believes that for those with Parkinson’s,

exercise is a new form of medicine.

“What the research suggests is that

higher intensity exercise and frequent

exercise may help to improve the quality

of movement and provide protective

benefits to the neurons.”

The program includes a variety of higher

intensity exercise, such as cycling,

in combination with yoga that targets

range of motion and balance. Parkinson’s

is a neurodegenerative disease with no

known cure that affects more than 6,000

Manitobans. The disease eventually robs

people of their ability to perform simple

tasks, like walking or eating. Although

most people with Parkinson’s are

older, a growing number of younger

people — those between the ages

of 21 and 40 — are being diagnosed.

Howard Koks, CEO of Parkinson Society

of Manitoba, says his organization is

pleased to be collaborating with the

Reh-Fit on this program. “The Reh-Fit

Centre is known for its work helping

people prevent and manage chronic

disease. This program will be the first

of its kind in Manitoba to help those

with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.”

cancer transitions ProgramAnother new initiative at the Reh-Fit

Centre is the Cancer Transitions Program

offered in partnership with CancerCare

Manitoba and with the support of the

CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

Through the program, people living with

cancer receive the information, tools,

and support they need, and learn how

to manage stress and health concerns as

they transition back to life beyond cancer.

other PartnersThis past year we were also pleased

to partner with: The Alzheimer Society

of Manitoba, The Arthritis Society,

Corydon Clinic, Manitoba in motion,

Winnipeg in motion, MS Society,

Manitoba Falls Prevention Network,

Osteoporosis Canada, the Mature

Women’s Centre and Bariatric Surgical

programs at Victoria General Hospital,

the Heart Failure Clinic and Cardiac

Sciences at St. Boniface Hospital, and

the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The Reh-Fit Centre forms partnerships with hospitals and health organizations to offer specialized healthy living programs we could not offer as efficiently or as cost effectively on our own.

“I feel stronger as the Cancer Transitions program progresses. I’ve also made new friends. Overall it has been fun and helpful with wonderful instructors!

– Catherine Delmarque

your partners in good health

1 6 | R E H - F I T P O W E R 2 0 1 4

Barbara started with small steps and

took advantage of the comprehensive

assessment that was included with her

Reh-Fit membership. “I took the treadmill

stress test, which is a fairly important

component of determining heart health,

but the Reh-Fit staff also tested my

strength, flexibility, and balance, and

looked at my blood work. I met with

them again to discuss my results and

we talked about how I could improve,

classes that might suit me, and my

nutritional needs. They really took

a good look at my overall health.”

Fast forward 15 years and Barbara is fit

and active as a result of a regular routine

that includes sit-ups, planks, weights, and

balance workouts on the BOSU ball and

balance boards. “I try to come here three

or four times every week and it’s amazing.

I feel more stable and secure walking

on icy streets and find that I have good

stamina for riding my bike in the summer.”

Research shows that it’s never too late

to start incorporating more activity into our

lives but that it’s important to be supported

along the way. “As we age, we have to

stay as well as we can. I think the fact that

the Reh-Fit is a certified medical health

facility is a big part of why I love it here.

There are always qualified people on site

and I have great faith in them as trained

professionals. Plus there’s a cross-section

of people of all ages and stages, and

nobody feels embarrassed because

everyone is doing the best they can.”

For Barbara, the benefits have been great.

“Being fit allows me to live and do virtually

anything I want – walk, drive, enjoy life.”

And she couldn’t resist a smile when she

received the results of her most recent

Reh-Fit assessment. “I was happy with

my assessment – I improved the length

of time I was on the treadmill so I think

I’m getting stronger every year!”

“When I was 60 years old I had a bit of a health scare. It was a wake-up call and I thought I’d better get serious about my health. I decided to come to the Reh-Fit Centre,” says Barbara Markham.

active aging

barbara markham


More education, training, and support

are required for the growing number

of people in our community challenged

with obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart

disease and other health concerns.

This past year, more than 10,000 people

from our community accessed the Reh-Fit

Centre’s programs and services.

With a goal of creating a healthier, more

active community, the Reh-Fit hosts

a variety of educational events to bring

you the latest information in fitness and

health. Visit www.reh-fit.com for current

and upcoming events, including:

education seminarsWant to know more about health, fitness and nutrition? Sign up for our monthly education seminars which address current health care issues and offer down-to-earth guidelines for healthy living.

health screening clinicsFrom testing your blood pressure and determining your BMI, to assessing your lung function and knowing the risks of stroke, you’ll find a variety of health screening clinics throughout the year to help identify and control your risk factors.

live healthy sPeaker seriesIf you want the latest cutting-edge research and facts on how to prevent and manage chronic health conditions, then you’ll want to join us to hear from our Live Healthy guest experts.

Throughout the year, the Reh-Fit features the industry’s top specialists who answer your questions and bring you the most up-to-date information on healthy living.

exercise is medicine™ monthDid you know that Exercise is Medicine™? Based on the finding that physical activity, in the right doses, is unparalleled in its ability to prevent and treat chronic disease, Exercise is Medicine™ month provides you with opportunities to learn more about the benefits of exercise and participate in weekly fitness challenges that emphasize the importance of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week for health benefits.

active aging WeekIt is possible to age with energy and strength! Find out how during Active Aging Week in September. You’ll discover how to get active, stay active, and how you can access resources in our community.

smart for your heartFind out more about the world’s leading killer and how you can prevent and manage cardiovascular disease during Smart for Your Heart month in February. You can also take the

“heart challenge” – a cardiovascular assessment that measures your blood pressure, body mass index, and heart age.

“I went to the free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic offered by CancerCare Manitoba at the Reh-Fit Centre. The doctor found an insitu carcinoma on the back of my right leg. After having that removed, I went for a six month check-up and found another carcinoma on my left arm. She removed that as well and will now be checking me carefully every six months. I am so thankful that I attend the Reh-Fit and very grateful for the Screening Clinic. Because of the early detection, the cancer was not life threatening. This screening saved my life!”

– Dayle Harding

find out how you can live a healthier life!

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As newcomers to physical activity, they weren’t sure

where to start. They spoke to a nurse at the Reh-Fit

and she recommended the First Steps to Active Living

program, which was an ideal fit for the couple. “First

Steps was really helpful and was the big motivator

for getting us here more often. We learned about

all of the equipment, the classes, the staff, and even

met some of the other people working out. It’s a very

comfortable place,” says Jonathan.

The 12-week program gave them the confidence

to continue and they quickly became members.

“We joined the Group Fitness 101 class because we

liked exercising in a group. Having to be here at

a specific time works best for me because I’m in

a situation where I need to be accountable. The Reh-Fit

staff are checking to see when I’m here and I’m doing

what I’m supposed to be doing,” adds Stacey.

As Jonathan’s activity level increased, his blood pressure

decreased and he began to notice a difference. “I feel

a lot better. I walk to work and back and I used to be out

of breath. Now I’ve dropped 30 pounds and my energy

is way up. I also used to find certain situations really

stressful and now, with my lower blood pressure,

those situations aren’t as stressful.”

Committed to losing a significant amount of weight and

making sustainable lifestyle changes, Stacey enrolled

in the Reh-Fit’s Healthier Weigh program. “Overall I’ve

lost 25 pounds, my acid reflux is improving, and I’ve lost

four inches off my waist, which is pretty substantial.”

Wanting to start a family also kept the duo motivated.

“With my acid reflux I couldn’t carry even more weight

without aggravating my condition,” says Stacey.

The Lees set small goals in the beginning and are

seeing the benefits of the decisions they’ve made.

“I feel like we’re doing it better this time. The weight

is coming off slower, but it’s more about making

a lifestyle change,” notes Jonathan.

Now two years later and continuing with their healthy

lifestyle choices, the Lees are welcoming another

change into their lives. Baby Charlotte was born in

January 2014, and is keeping the couple busier than

ever. Proud Mom Stacey says, “She is such a joy and

I’m so glad we’re healthier and able to keep up with

her as she grows! Even with a new baby we make

time to come to the Reh-Fit!”

Newly married, Stacey and Jonathan Lee wanted to start their life together on the right foot - or in this case, the right running shoe. “Our health wasn’t great. We were both overweight. I had a severe form of acid reflux made worse by my weight, and Jonathan’s blood pressure was dangerously high. As young people who want to enjoy a long life and start a family together, we knew we needed to take action,” says Stacey.

finding a healthy balance together


The Reh-Fit focuses on providing you with the

hands-on education, physical activity, coaching,

and nutrition counselling you need to feel

supported on your weight loss journey.

Come experience the important elements

of weight and lifestyle management with

programs including:

nutrition counsellingOur dietitians provide one-on-one nutrition counselling to target your specific nutrition needs.

healthier WeighThis award-winning program is for people looking to lose a significant amount of weight. Our team of professionals works with you to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Participants meet twice weekly, once for education and group discussion and once for group workouts.

kick start to Weight lossParticipants, who have a BMI of 25-29.9, meet once a week for a weigh-in, group workout, and motivational discussion.

Weekly Weigh-inOur professional staff is on hand to weigh members and provide them with ongoing support.

culinary ProgramsSpice up meals and eat healthier with ideas from our cooking classes. Register for programs such as Low Sodium Cooking, Cooking and Eating Healthy in 20 Minutes, Vegetarian Cooking, and Get Out of Your Gluten-Free Rut.

successfully manage your weight

jonathan and stacey lee

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can We reduce the risk of falls by training the brain?This clinical trial is designed to study the

effectiveness of a new exercise program

in reducing the risk of falls, the leading

cause of accidental death among older

adults. During the 10-week program,

participants watch words or moving

objects on a computer monitor and play

“brain fitness” games while they walk

on a treadmill. Participants in a second

or control group perform the same tasks

while they ride a recumbent bicycle,

which does not require as much

attention as walking on a treadmill.

Dr. Tony Szturm, Associate Professor

in the Department of Physical Therapy

at the University of Manitoba, says that

the Reh-Fit offers an ideal setting for

this ongoing research. “The team at the

Reh-Fit has already developed a strategy

for falls prevention and a procedure

for determining whether someone

is at increased risk for falls. They have

also identified members who are good

candidates for the trial.”

does exercise before surgery imProve surgical recovery?Obesity is considered a global epidemic

and Canada has one of the highest

obesity rates in western society. Bariatric

surgery is the most effective method for

sustained weight loss, and there is good

evidence to support the relationship

between physical activity and weight

loss following bariatric surgery.

Dr. Krista Hardy, Laparoscopic,

Bariatric and General Surgeon Assistant

Professor at the University of Manitoba,

is overseeing the research, which

is designed to show whether exercise

before bariatric surgery speeds

recovery afterwards.

“We know that patients undergoing

weight loss surgery have better results

when they are physically active,” says

Dr. Hardy. “What we don’t know is

whether it’s best to teach people how

to exercise before or after surgery. We’re

collaborating with the Reh-Fit to develop

an exercise program that improves the

care of all bariatric surgery patients.”

can “Prehab” contribute to Post-surgery success?Cardiac surgery is now being performed

on populations that are older than ever

before. Research shows that a patient’s

level of health before surgery is a

significant predictor of post-surgery

success.

Lead investigators Dr. Todd Duhamel, PhD

(Health, Leisure and Human Performance

Research Institute, Faculty of Kinesiology

and Recreational Management, University

of Manitoba & Institute of Cardiovascular

Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital) and

Dr. Rakesh C. Arora, MD, PhD, FRCSC

(Faculty of Medicine, Department of

Surgery, University of Manitoba & Cardiac

Sciences Program, St. Boniface Hospital),

are leading a study to find out if improving

the health of older patients prior to cardiac

surgery will improve their post-surgery

outcomes. Dr. Arora notes, “It is

hypothesized that older patients will more

successfully recover from surgery after

achieving improvements in strength,

flexibility, and overall exercise capacity.”

The Reh-Fit serves as a research setting for staff, students, and visiting professionals. Findings help us continuously improve our services and programs, and lead to advances in the scientific knowledge base of disease prevention and rehabilitation. Here are some examples of current research projects that involve our staff and facility.

research contributes to a healthier community


Recently published research, conducted

at the Reh-Fit Centre, indicates that

patients on the elective cardiac surgery

wait list who complete a “cardiac

prehabilitation” exercise program improve

their fitness level and functional walking

ability prior to surgery. “This is an

important finding because patients who

can walk longer distances prior to surgery

have improved health outcomes after

surgery. This research outcome may

stimulate a significant change in clinical

practice because it provides a strategy

to enhance an individual’s health status

prior to surgery so they not only survive

their cardiac procedure, but thrive after it,”

says Arora.

A combination of certified expertise,

programs, and medical fitness facility

makes the Reh-Fit Centre an ideal

research environment. “Their applied

expertise in health promotion and health

services complements our research efforts

quite well. The organizational support

provided for research is outstanding

at the Reh-Fit Centre,” adds Duhamel.

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Invest In the health of our CommunItyWith a gift to the Reh-Fit Foundation, you will support the work of the

Centre and help us meet our annual funding requirement of $1.1 million.

Your donation will be used to change and save lives by:

• Adding evidence-based programs and services that get results.

• Supporting community educational events to encourage healthy, active living for helping people who are challenged with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

• Providing financial support to make programs accessible to the broader community.

• Supporting research and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of health and fitness programs in building community health.

• Contributing to more collaborative efforts with other groups and health-related organizations to bring innovative programs and services to the community.

• Assisting with major facility and equipment projects.

Charitable Registration Number

10765 9765 RR0001

Donate toDay!Gifts can be made online at www.reh-fit.com, by calling 204-488-8023, or in person at the Reh-Fit Centre.

As Canada’s first certified medical fitness facility, the Reh-Fit Centre

collaborates with physicians, government, and health organizations

to deliver the best possible experience for the thousands of people

in our community who turn to the Centre for support and guidance.

But so much more can be done.

what can you do to create a healthier community?Every day we hear the personal stories of how the Reh-Fit Centre is helping change thousands of lives through the power of physical activity, nutrition, education, and coaching.

“After being diagnosed with diabetes, I felt lousy. Now I’m off my medication and have way more energy.”

“The doctors told me that because I was more fit, I had a lot fewer side effects from my cancer treatment.”

“In one year I lost 140 pounds. I was a young man but had zero confidence in myself. Now I’m in the best shape of my life.”


reh-fit centre board of directors 2013/14Albert Krahn

Chair

Ken Lee

Past-Chair

David Thompson

Vice-Chair

Pat Kloepfer

Treasurer

Scott Bailey

Secretary

Rossana Buonpensiere

Tim Burt

Gordon Greaves

Matthew Guberman

David Horne

Jo Magnifico

Dr. Bruce Roe

Charitable Registration Number 10765 9765 RR0001

reh-fit foundation board of directors 2013/14Mike Sampson

Chair

Audrey Vandewater

Vice-Chair

Catherine Kloepfer

Treasurer

David Horne

Secretary

Ken Lee

Past-Chair Centre Board

Albert Krahn

Chair Centre Board

Tim Burt

Centre Board Member

Janeen Balenovic

Barry Brown

Liz Findlay

Ron Pradinuk

Charitable Registration Number 87046 0540 RR0001

management team Sue Boreskie

Chief Executive Officer

Patrick Harrington

Director of Finance

Janet Cranston

Director of Support Services

Karyn Sinopoli

Membership Services Manager

Dana Ransom

Fitness Services Manager

Suzy Siemens

Chronic Disease Program Manager

medical advisory committee Dr. Amarjit Arneja

Dr. Grant Goldberg

Dr. David Hochman

Dr. Neal Lerner

Dr. Pravinsagar Mehta

Dr. Thang Nguyen

Dr. Florin T. Padeanu

Dr. Sepideh Pooyania

Dr. Mike Routledge

Dr. Stephen G. M. Wong

1390 Taylor Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

R3M 3V8

Phone: 204.488.8023

www.reh-fit.com

visionTo be the best health and fitness centre in Canada in building the health

of the community, for optimum quality of life.

missionThe Reh-Fit Centre is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to enhance the health and well-being of its members and the community by providing

innovative health and fitness services through assessment, education, and exercise in a supportive environment.

REH · PDF fileour new Reh-Fit Centre video! how are you feeling today? To find out more about the Reh-Fit Centre’s programs and services, visit

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