Eastern Oklahoma Catholic July/August 2012 : Page 31
A new beginning The Heart Hospital at Saint Francis Cardiac Rehab Program restores the lives of many we really get to know them and see firsthand the dramatic changes they are making in their lives,” says Dawn Bradley, R.N., super-visor. “We know we can’t make choices for our patients, but to see them take owner-ship of their own health is so rewarding. It’s great to know we had a hand in that kind of personal transformation.” Yesterday and today Since the time Cardiac Rehab was first instituted at Saint Francis Hospital in the early 1980s, it has changed locations several times and grown from serving 15 to 20 patients at a time to an average of 65. Today, Cardiac Rehab occupies a sizeable portion of the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis’ AA Level. “Early on, we realized the concept of Cardiac Rehab was often misunderstood. We knew there were patients out there who could benefit greatly from our program, but who simply didn’t understand what we had to offer,” Bonner says. “So, we started mak-ing a point of visiting heart patients while they were still in the hospital to let them know this lifesaving program was available to them. Through the years, this direct ap-proach has made a big difference and has helped many people change their lives.” T From left, Keith Beard, Heart Hospital volunteer and former cardiac rehab patient, Norm LaCombe, cardiac rehabilitation participant, and Dawn Bradley, supervisor, Heart Hospital at Saint Francis Cardiac Rehabilitation. here’s something very special about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis. Most assuredly, it provides a nurturing type of environment for people diagnosed and treated for heart disease. Yet, even more than that, it is a place where friendships are forged and active and healthy lifestyles are restored. The Heart Hospital at Saint Francis Car-diac Rehab Department is a safe haven for those recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery; those treated for coronary artery disease or valve disease; and those at high risk for developing heart disease. Research has shown that those who participate in cardiac rehab are 25 percent less likely to experience future heart problems or compli-cations from heart treatments. “Here in our department, we see magic far beyond the treadmill. We see people facing the same challenges and really talking to one another and encouraging each other,” says Susan Bonner, R.N., clinical manager at Heart Hospital at Saint Francis. “It’s wonderful to be a part of that. And, it’s also great to be part of a team that is like-minded in what we do. All of our staff members are passionate about car-diac rehab and try our best to practice what we preach in our own daily lives.” The staff in Cardiac Rehabilitation is com-prised of nine specially trained professionals including cardiac nurses, an exercise physi-ologist, a certified diabetes educator, dietitian, a certified counselor and a secretary. Saving lives Saint Francis Cardiac Rehab devotee Keith Beard heartily agrees. Since having a heart attack and other related health challenges beginning in 1996, Keith understands first-hand the many benefits of Cardiac Rehab. “It literally saved my life,” he says. “For some time now, I’ve been teaching a regularly scheduled class for patients in the Cardiac Rehab program. I think it’s been helpful for them to see someone who has been through the same things they are going through. The message of continuing to exercise and proper ‘heart healthy’ nutrition is a huge component of Cardiac Rehab. It’s totally ingrained in me and such a huge part of my life. I want to do all I can to help others understand just how important it is.” For more information on the Heart Hos-pital at Saint Francis and Cardiac Rehabilita-tion Services, please call 918.494.6470. By Sara Dale | Photography by Randy Kindy Heart to heart The first step for new participants is a visit to Cardiac Rehab in order to be introduced to the program and have their health history reviewed. Subsequent visits are sched-uled three times per week for up to three months. During each visit, heart rhythm and blood pressure are closely monitored as staff members work closely with individu-als to develop a plan to stay active, follow a healthy diet, manage stress, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight. All along the way as participants are educated about how the heart works and ways to improve their overall heart health, they have the option of individual or group counseling. “In our department, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to see patients for prolonged periods of time. During that time, 31
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