Clogged arteries, a leaky valve, enlarged heart....whatever the cause, the FMH survivors are an exclusive club; the perks are great but the dues are high!
Lenora Bundy is the Director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department and has been for fourteen years. She sums up this group saying, "they are a tight little knot of survivors who probably benefit as much from the effects of friendship as they do from the effects of exercise and cardiovascular fitness. Whatever their condition, their purpose is shared. They plan to enjoy their lives whatever the terms."
The aerobic level of the work out depends on how serious their condition is after their event. The exercise portion of the program is supervised. They will monitor one's heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure response during exercise. A registered dietitian is available to provide individual diet counseling to meet nutritional needs.
Despite or perhaps because of their heart problems, they are not a grim group. They are happy to be alive and plan to do what it takes to stay that way. Bundy says, "the program has grown and more people....especially women....are more aware of heart disease and trying to live healthier life styles." Participation in this wellness program also offers support staff assistance; Mattie Lee Prioleau and Mary Siebles assist the rehabbers during exercise. It is truly a team effort.
There are two phases of the Cardiac Rehab program:
Phase II: This begins as early as three weeks after discharge from the hospital. This is for patients that have had a myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery, valve replacement, or stint placement. It is an outpatient program involving continuous
monitoring with telemetry units. This phase is a very structured, closely supervised program that goes for 12 weeks utilizing treadmills, stationary bicycles and arm ergometry. This phase will be a positive experience that assists patients in their progression from a somewhat dependent role to a healthier, self-sufficient lifestyle. Medicare and private insurance will approve payment for this phase.
Phase III: This phase is a lifetime maintenance program to help participants continue heart healthy habits. It is an exercise program with medical supervision but not always involving the continuous telemetry monitoring. It is basically a program requiring less supervision meeting the cardiovascular aerobic needs to the patient. Many patients begin in Phase III if they have had a cardiac event in the past or cardiac related problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol levels, coronary artery disease, or circulatory problems.
Some of the Cardiac Rehab clients had some comments they wanted to share about the program:
Bonnie White: "The Cardiac Rehab program has been very beneficial for me and I've been coming for three years."
Ophelia Davis: "Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday a group of us gather in the Rehab Center at Fairfield Memorial for our exercise rituals. This active, energetic group of survivors is glad to be doing what we are doing! We appreciate the friendship but benefit from the effect of exercise and cardiovascular fitness."
Louisa Searson: "I can tell a big difference since I have been coming; I intend to keep coming as long as I can!"
Patricia Frick: "It is a good way to get a total workout...more than you would from walking. It's a good way to exercise especially during the cold months."
Cardiologists from Columbia Heart Clinic come to FMH every Tuesday and Friday mornings to do stress testing, nuclear medicine testing, and any cardiovascular consultation referrals from the local doctors. This is a plus for the local Cardiac Rehab program!
If anyone is interested in becoming a part of this program, please call Lenora Bundy at 635-0261. Admission to the program is by physician referral only; however, Bundy can obtain this referral by talking with your local physician or your cardiologist. The Rehab Department hours are 6:30 A.M. - 6 :00 P.M.
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