BCHHC

Cardiac Rehabilitation 

Cardiac Rehab is an exercise and educational program for anyone who has had a recent heart problem or surgery such as:

• Heart Attack in the last 12 months
• Heart Bypass Surgery in the last 12 months
• Stable Angina (heart pain)
• Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery in the last 12 months
• Placement of a Cardiac Stent
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Heart Transplant

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary Rehab is an exercise and educational program for patients who have lung disease such as:

• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic Bronchitis
• COPD
• COVID-19
• Emphysema
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Pre/Post Lung Surgery
• Pulmonary/Cystic Fibrosis
• Pulmonary Hypertension

Enrollment

Patients need a physician's order to enter the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab programs. The physician receives regular reports about their patient's progress.

A normal rehab program can run as long as 12 weeks, with most patients participating three times per week. The length of the program depends on an individual patient's needs and progress and some insurance limitations.

Each patient receives information on modifying their own particular risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, weight loss, diet, stress management, and high blood pressure.  

Services

• Exercise - Each patient exercises based on their tolerance and is encouraged to gradually progress as they are able. Equipment includes treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, recumbent bikes, recumbent steppers, and arm bikes.
• Education - A combination of 1:1 instruction, videotapes, and printed materials are used. Each patient receives a complimentary consultation with a hospital dietitian and an explanation of their heart or respiratory medications from a hospital pharmacist.
• Weight Training - Each patient who is eligible to lift light weights is trained by an exercise physiologist in the proper technique and appropriate weights for their particular needs. A variety of equipment is available, including dumbbells, therabands, dowels, and weight circuit machines.
• Public Education - Employees provide educational talks to the public about their specific area of health and wellness. There is no charge for the presentations.

Meet our Staff

• Mary Trauernicht, RN, Cardiac Rehab Coordinator
• Deb Baumfalk, RRT, Pulmonary Rehab Coordinator
• Desirae Mares, Registered Nurse