Mending a Broken Heart
February 27, 2018
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Trisha Pekron supervises as a cardiac rehab patient exercises.
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By: Trisha Pekron, RN
Love your heart this month and be aware of the risks and symptoms of cardiovascular disease that can affect you or a loved one. February is heart month, which focuses on being aware of cardiovascular disease. One in every three deaths occur in the United States due to cardiovascular reasons. What happens after you experience a cardiovascular event like a heart attack, stroke, stent placement, congestive heart failure or valve replacement?
The first step is to get on the road to recovery through cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program that helps improve the health and well-being of individuals who have faced a cardiac event. Rehab programs include exercise training, education on heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress and to help return you to your life. Huron Regional Medical Center is your cardiac rehab facility close to home.
The cardiac rehabilitation team at HRMC is ready to help you or someone you love get back to life sooner after experiencing a cardiac event. There are different stations throughout our gym-like setting, which is located on the first level of the hospital. Exercise equipment includes treadmills, stationary bikes, a NuStep machine and a recumbent bike. Through the use of multiple exercise stations, our team is able to customize a plan for you based on your abilities and comforts. The cardiac rehab facility at HRMC also has circuit weights, dumbbells and ankle weights. Stretching, balance and flexibility are all key components of our exercise strategy.
It’s not just about getting you back in physical condition. Our team is on hand to help you learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. The tips we give our patients are good advice for anyone who wants to reduce their risk for heart disease. Eat healthy by increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits and nuts. Limit your fatty food, sugars and preservative intake. Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking. Our team is also available to help you prepare emotionally for your new life. Facing a cardiac episode can be scary and life changing. The staff at HRMC will monitor you for depression and make sure you’re able to gain an understanding of how your life may have changed post-cardiac event.
Going to cardiac rehab is vital to getting you back to a more normal daily lifestyle. The sooner you begin a cardiac rehab program the better. Mortality decreases by 45 percent if you attend cardiac rehab following an event. Completing a cardiac rehab program also lowers your chance of rehospitalization by 30 percent. Our goal is to get you back to your passions sooner. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies will cover cardiac rehab for anywhere between 4-12 weeks. Our Phase III program allows you to continue to work out in our facility, at a cost of $58 per month.
The first step to getting into our program is to talk to your healthcare provider. You can also contact HRMC’s cardiac rehab team at (605) 353-6531. It’s time to get back to a healthier life. Don’t let a cardiac event keep you from living life to the fullest!
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