Cardiac rehabilitation is instrumental in guiding individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle habits after a heart attack, heart surgery or another heart condition. “Hearing from patients about how much stronger they feel because of cardiac rehab is so rewarding,” said Exercise Physiologist Mitchi Lee from Glacial Ridge Health System. Patients and their cardiac rehab team work toward reaching common goals of regaining strength, reducing future risk of heart problems and improving their overall quality of life. 

Glacial Ridge Health System 

Recognizes Cardiac Rehab Week

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although mortality rates are high, providers across the nation are pushing onward and promoting heart health more than ever for this year’s Cardiac Rehabilitation week, February 12-18th, 2023. The theme for 2023 is “Together Our Hearts Beat Stronger” because, truly, cardiovascular professionals and patients work as a team. It honors the patients, families, communities and healthcare professionals who are compassionate and committed to cardiovascular health. What can be achieved by modern cardiovascular care is nothing short of amazing.

More About Cardiac Rehab

Cardiac Rehab is a one-on-one, medically supervised program that helps individuals improve their strength and overall well-being. The program involves monitored exercise at a pace where each person feels comfortable and safe, nutrition education and emotional support. 

Cardiac rehab takes a team effort, and each patient is unique. Meeting people where they are physically and emotionally is something Exercise Physiologist Mitchi Lee finds instrumental in their commitment and success of this program. She explains, “Allowing individuals to be in the driver’s seat and taking ownership of their wellness journey enables them to focus on what they can control.” In her experience, patients begin to recognize how much better they feel when making healthy food choices and the strength and energy gained with regular exercise. Mitchi said another big part of her focus with each person is “supporting them emotionally, reminding them to be patient and compassionate with themselves.”

Specialty services at Glacial Ridge Health System include Cardiac Rehab, Pulmonary Care, and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Therapy. If you or a loved one questions whether Cardiac Rehab would be a good fit, don’t hesitate to contact your primary care provider. For more information, visit glacialridge.org/cardiac-rehab.