Hospital cardiac rehab celebrates 25 years.

Left to right: Anna Bateson, RN; Marti Miller, PT, rehabilitation services director; Rebecca Hogenson, RN; Deb Towns, RN.

Hospital cardiac rehab celebrates 25 years.

The cardiac rehabilitation staff at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital is celebrating the program’s 25^th anniversary this month.

What began with four patients in March, 1992 has expanded to 150 current patients, ranging in age from 46 to 94 years.

Not only has the program expanded in terms of patients cared for, but the scope of service has also expanded.  In 2007 the program staff began working with individuals who have chronic breathing problems (pulmonary rehabilitation), and recently they have expanded to working with folks who have congestive heart failure.

“Cardiac rehab cannot change your past, but it can help you improve your heart’s future,” said Deb Towns, one of three specially-trained nurses working with people enrolled in the program.

Nurse Rebecca Hogenson, added, “Ours is a medically supervised program designed to improve your cardiovascular health if you have experienced a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty or heart surgery.”

Each individual cardiac rehab program is composed of three key elements:

• Exercise counseling and training;
• Education for heart-healthy living;
• Counseling to reduce stress.

Pulmonary Rehab is a program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic breathing problems, and can have many benefits.  These include improved ability to function, improved quality of life and, at times, relief of breathing problems.

“Each person who participates in the program sets their individual goals with a nurse who specializes in cardiopulmonary care,” said nurse Anna Bateson. “An individual exercise program is designed to help each patient achieve their goals.”

Towns has been with cardiac rehab since its inception and was instrumental in starting the program. Hogenson joined the team in 2002. Bateson is the most recent addition to the staff, joining cardiac rehab as a registered nurse in 2014, after serving previously as a rehab department aide. Clinical advisor for the program is Dr. Susan Henry. Marti Miller, physical therapist, is director of rehabilitation services.

Referral from a physician is required to join the program. Persons interested are encouraged to consult their physician to determine if they are eligible to participate.

Those who have questions or would like more information on cardiac or pulmonary rehab are invited to contact the department at 231-845-2295.