BRIDGEPORT, W. Va. — United Hospital Center is celebrating Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, February 14-20. This national event is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and increasing knowledge about prevention.
“Cardiac Rehabilitation: Changing Lives, One Heart at a Time,” the theme of National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week 2016, honors the patients, families, and healthcare professionals who are dedicated to cardiac rehabilitation as a vehicle for a healthy lifestyle.
“This week at UHC, we will celebrate with balloons and health food options. We will give away promotional items to our patients and physicians,” Cheryl Farley, UHC manager of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, said.
The cardiac rehab program is designed for individuals recovering from heart disease, as well as those seeking services that will help them learn how to improve their cardiovascular health through disease prevention and health promotion. The ultimate goal is to help reduce the devastating effects of heart disease.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a program based on exercise and education that helps patients recover more quickly from heart attacks, heart surgery, and other illnesses related to heart disease. Almost anyone with heart disease can benefit from Cardiac Rehab.
“No one is too old or too young, and women benefit from Cardiac Rehab as much as men. Cardiac Rehab can help you feel better and live a healthier life,” Farley said.
The UHC Rehab program features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, including treadmills, free weights, arm ergometers, Nu Steps, and stationary bicycles. Highly specialized staff works closely with each patient and his or her physician in developing individualized exercise treatment plans to meet the patient's needs. These workouts are conducted under the supervision of registered nurses specially trained in coronary and pulmonary care who monitor each person’s vital signs to measure the body’s response to the exercise.
Cardiac Rehabilitation at United Hospital Center is a nationally certified program through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Cardiac Rehab nurses, physicians, dieticians (available), and other healthcare providers are available to help improve activity tolerance and modify risk factors for heart disease. Each patient works toward these goals at his or her own pace and according to individual needs.
Phase I and II of Cardiac Rehab is located on the first level of UHC at 327 Medical Park Drive in Bridgeport. Phase III is located at UHC’s Clarksburg Clinic (formerly the Four C’s Building) at 300 Davisson Run Road in Clarksburg.
If you would like more information concerning the UHC Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, call 681-342-2425.