Healthy Heart Workshop

Is My Heart Healthy?

Presented by: Allison MacKenzie, MS,
Clinical Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire

Workshop Description

Cardiovascular disease is a significant problem in the United States; however many of us can reduce our risk of developing it by modifying our own lifestyles. University of New Hampshire has one of the many Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention Programs throughout the country helping patients live with and prevent cardiac disease. At this workshop students will discover how to reduce their own risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease in the future.  Specific attention will be given to reading and understanding blood lipid profiles, blood pressure measurements and ECG recordings. Each student will assess a variety of their own risk factors as well as find ways to modify their lifestyles to improve their overall health.

Leader’s Job Description

As a clinical assistant professor, Allison is responsible for teaching courses in the Kinesiology Department for the Exercise Science Option, as well as running the UNH Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention Program.  She teaches a variety of course which include Cardiopulmonary Pathologies, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Fitness and Graded Exercise Testing, and Science and Practice of Strength Training. The Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention Program is comprised of patients aged 45-90 years old who either have increased risk for developing cardiac disease or have already experienced a cardiac event.  Each patient undergoes a variety of health and fitness tests before beginning their exercise program. Patients come three times a week to exercise to improve their overall health and risk status.

Advice for Career Path

It all starts at high school to begin a career in the field of Exercise Physiology.  Recommended course for students to take before applying for college would include basic science courses like biology and chemistry as well as other courses like physics, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and health sciences.  Not all of these are required for college admission, however it will certainly help you get ahead in your education.  Once looking for college programs it can be difficult to seek out exercise science programs because they are often listed under many different names. Most often you will find it listed as Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Health Sciences, or Kinesiology. Many graduate and doctorate level programs are also available and will certainly progress your education and career opportunities. Education is not the only thing needed however; practical experience is always important. Seeking out jobs, internship or volunteer opportunities at hospitals, clinics or fitness centers are all great ideas to gain more experience and knowledge in the field.