February 21, 2020 at 5:19 p.m.
Cardiac rehabilitation emphasizes heart health with education and exercise
The cardiac rehabilitation program at Ascension Eagle River Hospital recently relocated its program to the former outpatient services area on the first floor of the facility.
This new location provides added space for the education and exercise program that monitors and assists with improving recovery, increasing fitness levels, and reducing the risk of future cardiac events for participants, according to an Ascension press release.
"Almost everyone with heart disease, or at risk for heart disease, can benefit from some type of cardiac rehab" said Hannah Lewis, an exercise physiologist and cardiac rehabilitation specialist at Ascension Eagle River Hospital. "No one is too old or too young, and women benefit as much as men."
Phase 1 of cardiac rehabilitation begins in the hospital following a heart attack, heart surgery, or a balloon/stent procedure and requires close monitoring. It emphasizes education and low-level activity prior to discharge.
"The basic fundamentals focus on the increased risk of heart disease caused by poor health maintenance, lack of exercise, overeating or smoking," says Lewis. "Cardiac rehabilitation will help you understand how to change habits and reduce risk factors."
Outpatient Cardiac Rehab or Phase 2, is a physician-ordered program that begins shortly after hospital discharge. It emphasizes maintaining a healthy heart through education and exercise. Heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure are monitored in a supervised environment for up to 36 sessions. Education classes with a focus on goal setting help reduce the risk for future heart disease, the release notes.
Terry Miller of Eagle River started coming to Ascension Eagle River Hospital for his Phase 2 program after a stent procedure last October. Miller recently retired from truck driving and enjoys fishing as well as welding and woodworking in his workshop at home.
"When I first started, I could hardly walk up and down the hallway without being out of breath," said Miller. "With Hannah's help I was able to gradually make progress in my program and have noticed improvements that are allowing me to get more done at home and get back to doing what I love in my shop as well."
Improvements in his health, Miller says, are just one of the advantages he has experienced with the cardiac rehabilitation program at Ascension Eagle River Hospital.
"It provides peace of mind knowing that someone is there to monitor my progress and more importantly is there to take care of me should something happen," Miller said. "I'm not so sure I would be enjoying the same level of success if I was doing this on my own."
Once he completes his Phase 2, Miller is a strong candidate for the Fit for Life Phase 3 program which is also offered at Ascension locations.
Fit for Life is for patients who wish to exercise in a supportive environment while working on lifestyle changes that reduce their risk for heart disease and other health problems. Further education and risk factor counseling are available for those who desire these services.
"Most patients fully resume their normal daily activities of work and leisure after completing the cardiac rehabilitation program," said Lewis. "Because of their improved lifestyle, many patients feel better than ever and may have greater physical capacities than before their cardiac event."
Most medical insurance policies - including Medicare - cover a portion or all of Inpatient and Outpatient Cardiac Rehab charges, the release states. The Fit for Life program is a self-pay program. The cardiac rehab staff will review the program costs prior to enrollment and discuss payment arrangements.
Relocating the cardiac rehabilitation program to the first floor at Ascension Eagle River Hospital has not only provided more space for the program, but it's also allowed the rehabilitation services department some much needed additional space.
"Our physical and occupational therapists would often have to share space and equipment with our cardiac patients and this move has allowed us to now provide more dedicated therapy space for pediatric patients who need more specialized equipment," said Kelly Hamerla, manager of rehabilitation services.
Ascension also offers cardiac rehabilitation programs in Eagle River, Woodruff, Rhinelander and Tomahawk. For more information, call 715-479-7411.
WEATHER SPONSORED BY
E-Editions
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
August
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
Comments:
You must login to comment.