Monday, October 25, 2010

Northwest Hospital's Cardiac Rehab Program Achieves Certification

Cardiac rehabilitation is a crucial way for those with heart problems to become healthier, especially following a heart attack. That's why LifeBridge Health is delighted that the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) recently recognized the LifeBridge Health Cardiac Rehabilitation outpatient program at Northwest Hospital by bestowing certification.

The AACVPR has high standards and guidelines, and certification for the cardiac rehab program at Northwest was awarded after a rigorous review. This places LifeBridge Health on the map as a leading provider of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services.

Cardiac rehabilitation at Northwest is a 12-week, medically supervised and telemetry-monitored exercise program. It's designed to help with lifestyle changes and risk factor reduction. In addition to exercise, the program includes diet and nutrition counseling, stress management, smoking cessation classes and education. The program features:
  • State-of-the-art private exercise area including large screen TVs and comfort station.
  • An individualized exercise program incorporating the area's largest array of high-tech equipment and facilities, including recumbent and upright bikes; stretching station; seated and standing elliptical trainers and rowing machines.
  • Educational programs designed to answer questions about lifestyle changes, nutrition and exercise.
  • Expert staff members including nurses, fitness technicians, a physical therapist, a board-certified cardiologist/medical director and medical supervision.
  • On site registered dietitian for nutritional counseling.
  • Licensed psychologist available by referral.
  • Flexible schedule with hour-long classes meeting Monday, Wednesday and Fridays mornings at 7:00, 8:15, 9:30 and 10:30 and afternoons at 3:00 and 4:00.
Following the 12 weeks at Northwest, which is called Phase II, patients are referred to LifeBridge Health & Fitness to keep up with appropriate exercise and wellness.

To learn more about the cardiac rehab program, call 410-601-WELL (9355).