A PUBLICATION OF PEACEHEALTH ST. JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION
inspire Fall 2019
FOUNDATION TAKES CARDIAC REHAB TO HEART A few weeks after undergoing a rare sextuple coronary bypass, Richard began cardiac rehabilitation at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. He credits the program for profoundly changing his lifestyle after his serious medical wake-up call. “Cardiac rehab gave me a new lease on life,” he said. About 425-450 new patients each year go through the cardiac rehabilitation program at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. The program includes supervised physical activity, lifestyle education and support. Participants typically attend three sessions per week, including a weekly class that focuses on risk factors and nutrition. All participants have individualized exercise plans and most wear heart monitors throughout their workouts. The program balances guidance with accountability. Dr. Paul Connor, Medical Director for PeaceHealth Cardiovascular Services, confirms the powerful benefits or cardiac rehabilitation. “Not only have multiple research trials demonstrated an improvement in quality of life and decreased repeat hospitalization rates in those who complete a prescribed cardiac rehab program, my personal experience with multiple patients attests to the huge sense of empowerment over their disease they receive from participation. They complete the program with the tools that will enable them to provide the best defense against a repeat cardiac event and can start reengaging in their favored activities sooner, safer and with enhanced confidence,” he said. YOUR GIFTS AT WORK: Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report Enclosed!
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation is committed to ensuring that cardiac rehabilitation is available to anyone who has undergone a major cardiac event in Whatcom County. Because costs of can become inhibitive for participants over the course of 30 to 36 rehabilitation sessions, the foundation offers scholarships to lessen the financial burden for those in need. Approximately 40-50 cardiovascular patients each year receive Foundation support for cardiac rehabilitation treatment. Patients seek assistance due to lack of insurance coverage or unaffordable copays per visit. R.L., a scholarship recipient, was grateful for the cardiac rehabilitation program and the assistance he received from the foundation to make his three co-pays per week more manageable. “I think it’s fantastic,” he said. “If I hadn’t started this program I wouldn’t be where I am in my recovery.” Under the careful watch of skilled therapists, cardiac rehabilitation patients gain the tools and strength they need to take charge of their health. With your help, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation is here to support them along the way.
