Healthy Strides: Where Heart Health Meets Community

By: Aprill Murphy

Albion, NE (Feb 11, 2026) – Heart Month is a time to focus on prevention, movement, and connection—and at Boone County Health Center, all three come together through the Cardiac Rehab Healthy Strides program.

Healthy Strides is more than a supervised exercise group. It’s a place where heart health is closely monitored, friendships are built, and lives are truly impacted. Each session includes heart rate and blood pressure checks, medication reconciliation when needed, and the reassurance that help is close by. If something doesn’t look right, the Cardiac Rehab team can act quickly—sometimes making all the difference. Just this past December, a participant arrived unaware she was experiencing a serious irregular heart rhythm. The team identified the issue and fast-tracked her to the emergency room, potentially saving her life.

Participants travel from across the region—Fullerton, Genoa, St. Edward, Lindsay, Humphrey, Spalding, Petersburg, Elgin, Cedar, Albion and beyond—because they know Healthy Strides offers something special. Safety matters, but so does the sense of belonging.

This group celebrates birthdays with donuts, shares laughs, and cheers each other on. One morning, a couple even danced together between exercises. Many participants attend as couples, helping motivate one another to keep moving for their health. The atmosphere is supportive, lighthearted, and genuine.

Some members have been coming for decades. Bill and Eileen Wieser have participated since 2007—nearly 20 years. Eileen says it feels good and is a great way to start the day. While battling cancer, she followed advice she received years ago from the Cardiac Rehab team: keep moving. And she has.

Others come for different reasons—Ron Levander jokes that the best part of the workout is the coffee, while Brian Rasmussen, a three-year participant, values the social connection just as much as the exercise. Rain, snow, or shine, this group shows up.

According to Cardiac Rehab Supervisor Angie Swantek, it’s especially meaningful to see seasoned members encourage newcomers. “It’s a workout,” she says, “and encouragement matters.” Beyond physical benefits, the gathering supports mental health, offering routine, friendship, and purpose.

Healthy Strides is proof that caring for your heart isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. During Heart Month and all year long, this group reminds us that movement, monitoring, and meaningful connection can help hearts grow stronger together.

If you or a loved one are interested in joining our Healthy Strides program please reach out to our Cardiac Rehab team at 402-395-3156.