JCHC?s cardiac rehab gets patients on track

Editor?s note: The monthly To Your Heath column is a venue for Jefferson County Health Center to provide health information that will benefit The Fairfield Ledger?s readers. To suggest ideas for future articles or to obtain information, call Jefferson County Health Center community relations manager Ginny Hughes at 469-4198.

Our Cardiac Rehab program is designed to get you back on your feet and active again after a heart attack or any other kind of cardiac event. If you had a heart attack, heart surgery or suffer from

coronary artery disease or other heart complications, you may be a candidate for our personalized

program. Our closely monitored exercise program will help you regain and build strength and endurance.

Most heart disease patients can help lower their risk of future heart problems if they make changes to improve their health. Having a healthier future is a partnership between you and the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who can help you change your health habits.

Our classes are typically held Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Physical Therapy department. Cardiac Rehab is a safe way to get you exercising again after a cardiac event. You will be closely monitored using a cardiac monitor by a nurse who will take your vital signs before, during and after you exercise. The exercise program consists of stretching, walking on a treadmill and using a NuStep recumbent cross trainer.

Our program includes educational guidance that helps you with such things as dietary tips, medication management, stress reduction and encouragement to establish a home exercise program for you to follow after you ?graduate? from Cardiac Rehab.

To enroll in the program you must be diagnosed with a recent cardiac event or cardiac surgery and have a physician referral. All or a portion of the cardiac rehab program may be covered by your insurance carrier. We will assist you in this process.

For more information, please call Marty Chandler, RN in Cardiac Rehabilitation at 641-469-4292 or email MChandler@Jeffersoncountyhealthcenter.org.

Marty Chandler, a registered nurse, is the Jefferson County Health Center?s cardiac rehab facilitator.