Centra Southside Community Hospital and the Southside Virginia Family YMCA have joined the battle against heart disease and stroke by offering structured exercise programs and personal health education aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The Centra Cardiopulmonary Rehab Phase III/Wellness and Prevention program, held at the YMCA, also provides long-term supervision to patients who have completed Phase II cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The wellness and prevention program is specifically designed to help clients stop smoking, lose weight, lower high blood pressure, manage diabetes, lower cholesterol and reduce stress. Amy Silver, exercise physiologist with CSCH, will conduct an initial health assessment and develop an individualized fitness program. Susan Faulconer, R.N., BSN, coordinator of cardiopulmonary rehab at CSCH, said, “Our new wellness and prevention program is another example of how Centra is working to prevent rather than simply treat illnesses.” For information, visit CentraHealth.com or call 392-3205.