Reh-Fit Centre’s Her Heart Her Way program has received the Medical Fitness Association’s Program Innovation award, highlighting its innovative approach to women's heart health. This 12-month program provides women at risk of heart disease with in-person and virtual coaching to stay on track with exercise, stress management, and nutrition.
“The outcomes are life changing,” says Rhea Vaags-Olafson, Reh-Fit Centre Director of Health & Fitness. “We’re seeing measurable improvements in women’s heart health and overall well-being, and that’s exactly what this program was designed to do.”
Participants have reduced their 10-year heart disease risk by nearly 10% in just one year.
A Call for More Referrals
Dr. Todd Duhamel, a cardiovascular health researcher and Her Heart Her Way evaluator, emphasizes the importance of heart health awareness and early detection. "Seventy-eight percent of early heart attack signs are missed in women.”
The risk factors and the way that women experience heart disease differs from men, he adds. “Their symptoms can be more subtle and, too often, their chest pain is dismissed as anxiety."
Reh-Fit Centre CEO Sue Boreskie says, "The Program Innovation award is a testament to the impact of the program. Now, we need more healthcare providers to make referrals so more women can benefit from it."
Nearly 150 women have participated in Her Heart Her Way since its launch in 2022. Reh-Fit continues to receive referrals.
How the Program Supports Women
Many participants are juggling the busiest and most stressful stages of their lives. Career, family, and other responsibilities often leave little time to focus on their own health. For women in rural or remote communities, traveling to Winnipeg to access support can be difficult or impossible.
The program’s virtual delivery removes these barriers, giving women easy access to trained mentors from the comfort of home. Mentors are certified in Health Behaviour Change Training and use motivational interviewing and counseling skills to help participants adopt and maintain healthier habits.
Janice Leroux, Her Heart Her Way participant.
Janice Leroux of Lac du Bonnet completed the program in 2024.
“I joined because my blood pressure had become a concern,” she says. Being slim, Janice had never paid much attention to her diet—and her cholesterol was high. On top of that, she was carrying some work stress and the grief of losing her son to an undiagnosed heart condition. She jumped at the opportunity to connect with a mentor who could help her make real changes for improved health and well-being.
Janice worked first with mentor Suzie, who later retired, and then with Aisling. Both were great listeners, she says.
“What I loved about my mentors was that they never told me what to do—they asked thoughtful questions, discussed my circumstances, and then guided me to decide what steps I needed to take.”
The sessions helped her become more aware of her daily habits and where she could make meaningful changes.
“Now I’m very conscious about sitting too long. I’m watching my blood pressure and I’m conscious about what I am eating and what I need to be doing to be healthy,” she says. “And when I fall off the train, I know what I need to do to get back on it.”
With healthy habits now built into her everyday life, she says her heart health no longer feels like a looming worry. “I feel good.”
Janice credits the sustainability of her progress to the program’s individualized approach and accountability.
“One year of support, health guidance, and an empathetic voice checking in—it’s such a wonderful opportunity.”
Connie Bagrie of Winnipeg felt that same meaningful support when she joined the program in 2024.
“My mentor Aisling made me feel comfortable right from the start. She was supportive and encouraging, and I always looked forward to checking in with her.”
Aisling was always willing to share tips and helpful information that guided her toward a healthier lifestyle, Connie adds.
Connie Bagrie, Her Heart Her Way participant
“The biggest change for me was adding aerobic, strength, and core activities to my routine. Before, my only exercise was walking.” Today, Connie follows a balanced exercise plan built from the list of exercises Aisling gave her.
Connie also worked with Aisling on healthy eating and stress management. “I think I’m a good eater, but I love my sweets,” she laughs. “The reminder is always moderation. I’ve learned to read food labels, eat more fibre, and have healthy snacks ready so I’m not reaching for junk food.”
Managing stress is still a work in progress. “But I’ve learned techniques like deep breathing and journaling. I even took a [Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness] course that Aisling recommended, and I walk regularly to keep my stress under control.”
Looking back, Connie says she feels stronger, healthier, and more confident. “My clothes fit better, my posture has improved, and I feel the difference that exercise makes. I’m proud of the commitment I’ve made to continue my routine—and to know that I can do it on my own.”
She adds, “The program has allowed me to take charge of my well-being in such a positive way. I am forever grateful that I have gained the knowledge I need for a healthy heart and healthy living.”
How You Can Help
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If you're a woman aged 30 or older with risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high stress, or an unhealthy lifestyle, talk to your healthcare provider about a referral to Her Heart Her Way.
If you're a healthcare provider, refer eligible patients to this award-winning program.
Together, we can make a difference in women's heart health.
For more information or to refer a patient, visit Reh-Fit's Her Heart Her Way Program.
Thank you to Victoria Hospital Foundation for their generous investment and for leading the vision to make Her Heart Her Way possible, and to our valued partners, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Manitoba Government, for their ongoing collaboration and support.