February is heart month.
That's important for all of us, but perhaps more important for those who have faced health challenges.
Tom Frigge had heart surgery six years ago. Since then he has been an active participant in Castle Medical Center's physical therapy program - something therapist Glynis Hooker firmly believes in.
"So it's very important to maintain your heart healthy by doing exercise which can improve the cardiovascular system," says Glyn Hooker, Castle Physical therapist.
As a former heart patient, Tom has taken it on himself to work out almost every day. But Glynis says, that should be the norm for every one who wants to maintain a healthy heart.
"Five times a week, thirty minutes a day moderate intensity which includes brisk walking. If you do high intensity exercising which includes running, jogging, you can exercise three times a week for a minimum of twenty minutes," said Hooker.
Tom is still young but his physical therapist says exercise is important for everyone whatever their age. Physical therapy includes strength training, aerobics, flexibility and balance that can help seniors prevent falls.
"So falls can put you at a higher risk for osteoporosis. Then again exercise also helps with that because you help build bone density," said Hooker.
Heart patients may have some fears as they begin post-operative exercise.
"Absolutely. I started out slow. I now do over an hour on the elliptical on alternate days. Do weights on the other days so it's a combination of cardio and weight building," said Tom Frigge, former heart patient.
All patients who come to the Castle Physical Therapy Center have a thorough exam.
"We'll assess their abilities in terms of functional deficits, range of motion strength, balance and see how that impedes on their normal daily function and from there we can help them with a medically supervised program in order to monitor their heart rate."
And how is the program working for Tom?
"Just over six years. So I think it took," said Frigge.
