Cardiac Rehab is an essential part of recovery after a cardiac event and a program that Coffee Regional Medical Center has right here in The Wellness Center. In an effort to raise awareness, every year The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) has “Cardiac Rehabilitation Week” in February, American Heart Month. AACVPR National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week 2018 will be celebrated Feb. 11-17 at hospitals, exercise facilities and outpatient rehab centers across the country. This years’ theme is, “Making Positive Changes, One BEAT at a Time.”
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a vital part of the improvement of the health and physical performance of individuals at risk for heart disease and/or those individuals diagnosed with heart disease or dysfunction. Not only is it essential after a cardiac event, but cardiac rehab is also important for those at risk of an event. There are many benefits to CRMC’s Cardiac Rehab Program. These benefits include quicker and fuller recovery, a safe environment with a state-of-the-art monitoring system to ensure the safety of patients as they rebuild their strength and balance, and various specialized exercise equipment, including a brand new Arm Ergometer for those patients with restricted physical needs such as knee or hip issues. The therapy is overseen by a licensed clinician available to monitor activities and assist patients with personalized compassion and care. Director of this program and The Wellness Center is Danny McCarty, who holds a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Cardiac Therapy. Danny expresses that “Cardiac Rehab is an essential part of improved health after a heart event. Our patients graduate from the program happier, healthier, stronger, and have more endurance to do the things they enjoy. We have the best nurse, Vashti Werntz, and Exercise Physiologist, Jaelen Smiley, that takes care of our patients like they are family. Honestly, I couldn’t do it without them!”
Cardiac Rehab is an insurance based program that covers chronic heart failure, heart attack, stents, PCI, heart replacement, and artery bypass surgery. The latest rehab to the program is (SET PAD) supervised exercise therapy for peripheral artery disease. The program is physician referred, which means if you are interested in the program you will need to speak with your cardiologist or your family doctor. Scholarships and financial assistance are available for qualified patients; contact Cardiac Rehab Director, Danny McCarty for more information by calling 912-383-6988.
