Kalkaska Memorial Health Center program supports cardiac recoveries
American Heart Association statistics reveal one in three adults in the U.S. have cardiovascular disease. It remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the nation.
Recent research shows that nearly 80 percent of cardiac disease is preventable.
Kalkaska Memorial Health Center’s Cardiovascular Rehabilitation program offers residents of the region a safe place close to home to regain their heart function and quality of life following a heart attack or cardiac surgery.
“Patients come to us after they have had a heart attack, a stent placed, a coronary artery bypass graft or heart-valve replacement,” said Marianne Ewald, R.N., rehab manager. “We try to help them establish a new healthier lifestyle. We also encourage the spouse of the patient to join the preventive program as patients move to our phase three program so they can change as a family.”
Patients who visit the rehab gym will find treadmills, NuStep machines, rowers, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and weights to help them strengthen their heart. The exercise occurs under supervised conditions while they wear a telemetry unit that records their heart rhythms.
First-time patients receive counseling and together with Ewald, and other Cardiac Rehab staff members, they develop a strategy for recovery. Ewald said she listens closely to patients to understand any fears or apprehension about the process. She’s interested in knowing if patients had an exercise program before their heart attack and how they cope with stress.
“We talk about the anatomy of the heart. It’s natural that some patients express a fear of experiencing chest pain,” she said. “We start very gently, and I believe they will be encouraged by other people in the program. They will be very safe here.”
Patients generally spend one hour, three times a week for up to three months in the program after being referred by their physician. In addition to monitored exercise, the program offers information about healthy eating. The program is conveniently located in the hospital’s lower level and serves patients from Kalkaska, Acme, Rapid City, Alden, Bellaire, Fife Lake, Mancelona and Williamsburg.
Most health insurances cover cardiac rehab payments and if patients choose, after their regimen is completed, they can pay to use the equipment and services.
Patients can be confident in knowing that physicians are available should they experience any problems.
For questions about Kalkaska Memorial Health Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program, call Ewald at 231-258-7525.