For Emilie Northwick and Eleanor Peterson, who both suffered heart attacks a number of years ago, the Unity health improvement center is more than just a place to go for exercising. Staying Active Northwick and Peterson say that friends who are not as active have a lot more trouble than they do just getting around. The women attribute their longevity to getting lots of exercise at the center and at home, where they each maintain their own houses and large, bountiful gardens. Both hospitals' health improvement centers buzz with activity. The number of patient visits at each site usually runs from 1,300 to 2,000 every month.
Many patients come in two to three times a week.
When people enter the program, we help them identify their risk factors for heart disease, link them up with resources like the library or special classes, and come up with goals, such as losing some weight or more carefully reading food labels, to reduce their risk factors. Most patients come to the centers upon referral from their physicians. However, anyone with a risk factor for heart disease can join. Site Map Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use . This site is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice.