CCMH Cardiac Rehab Manager Brooke McPeak, RN, BSN had a chance recently, before she slips away for a time to complete the required credits for the Nurse Practitioner Program, to have a quick “sit-down” with longtime Cardiac Rehab success story and most delightful lady – Wilma Davis – this testimonial truly highlights the vast benefits of the program when patients are compromised by cardiac health issues –

What is your connection to the community?

“My husband and I moved here in 2006 wishing to relocate to a small, rural community. We had spent years designing and making knives and sheathes that we sold. Since his passing, I have been working for the last several years providing in-home care to people in the community.”

How has cardiac rehab impacted your recovery and well-being?

“I started coming to CCMH cardiac rehab at the direction of my cardiologist after I had a heart attack and stents in 2017.” Cardiac rehab plays a pivotal role in the recovery of many. Wilma commented, “When I came home from the hospital, I had to use a walker to get around. It wasn’t long after starting the program that I built up enough strength to walk without the use of any aid. Now, I can walk a full mile without issue.”

Phase II Cardiac Rehab provides daily heart monitoring during your exercise session. In fact, the staff at cardiac rehab were able to discover an irregularity in Wilma’s heart rhythm soon after starting, which lead to pacemaker placement to correct it. Wilma adds, “I have been doing so well. My cardiologist tells me I have come so far. He says that my heart has made improvements in its function, and is very pleased with my progress.” Wilma also adds, “Since starting cardiac rehab, I have gone from having to have someone take care of me to now being able to take care of others.” We are so proud of her for how far she has come.

Phase II Rehabilitation begins soon after hospital discharge and continues for 12 weeks, according to individual progress and physician recommendation. It is reimbursed by Medicare and many third party payers. Wilma completed the Phase II monitored program, and has been coming to the Maintenance program for the last 6 years. The Maintenance Program allows for continuation of the lifestyle changes made for health promotion and risk factor reduction indefinitely. Anyone in the community is eligible for the Maintenance Program at the discretion of their doctor. The cost for the Maintenance Program is $40/month for an individual or $50/month for a couple.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is an outpatient supervised exercise program that operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Your doctor might recommend cardiac rehab after having a heart problem or heart surgery. The goal of rehab is to help you recover and lower the risk of future heart problems. Risk factor reduction, such as lowered blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, along with weight loss or better-maintained weight are additional benefits.

Come and see Brooke, Jacquie, and Paula at CCMH Cardiac Rehabilitation located at the Cedar County Memorial Hospital. We will carefully monitor your individual progress during a 30-90 minute exercise session. Progress will be reported regularly to the referring physician.