WAVE Program
What is the WAVE Program?
The WAVE program is a newly instituted initiative at Vascular Health Bronte. WAVE stands for Wellness Assessment and Vascular Education. It is an 8 week program offered for patients suffering from Peripheral Arterial Disease, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, and Lymphedema. The WAVE program focuses on the modification and mitigation of the respective risk factors associated with each disease. The three main components of the program pertain to exercise, nutrition, and smoking cessation. These components can be used in conjunction with each other, or can be done independently. Our Physician Assistant will provide an initial assessment to determine a suitable regimen. Below is additional information on how WAVE can address the main risk factors associated with each condition.
Exercise Program
An adequate exercise program (in this case walking) plays a vital role in the prevalence and prominence of various risk factors associated with PAD, Chronic Venous Disease and Lymphedema. Vigilant and consistent exercise can also help slow the progression of disease, and mitigate persistent symptoms.
During the initial assessment, our Physician Assistant will gauge your current level of activity and institute a realistic and effective plan. We typically recommend walking 30 minutes, 3 days a week.
During the weekly meetings, our Physician Assistant will offer advice and moral support. Ideally we would like to have patients incorporate this exercise regimen into their everyday lives beyond the duration of the program.
Smoking Cessation
Smoking can be a prominent risk factor to the progression of vascular issues. Cessation of smoking can help to reduce the negative progression of disease, and in some cases actually help to improve the condition.
Our Physician Assistant will first assess your cigarette/tobacco consumption (currently and in the past) in order to gauge a general understanding of your dependence on cigarettes/tobacco.
Following this, we will try to institute a plan that will periodically reduce the amount of cigarettes you will consume, and offer suggestions that work with your lifestyle.
Weekly phone calls will help to instill and reinforce these habits, and ideally allowing you to cease smoking completely.
*Please contact the clinic for additional information about the WAVE Program at Vascular Health Bronte