Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program
The Rehabilitation Program at Community Hospital of Staunton is an individualized exercise and education program designed to benefit both cardiac and pulmonary patients.
Information is presented on the importance of exercise, diet and the development of a more healthy lifestyle.

The Rehabilitation Program is closely supervised by professionals and involves a multidisciplinary team which includes:

• Patient and Family
• Physicians
• Registered Nurses
• Respiratory Therapists
• Dieticians
• Social Workers
• Cardiopulmonary Rehab Participants

The Cardiopulmonary Rehab Program Consists of Three Phases:

Phase I - Phase I begins while you are a patient in the hospital. This phase consists of education, light to moderate physical activity and counseling.

Phase II - Phase II begins after release from the hospital. A physician’s order and exercise prescription is required. Your physician or the program Medical Director may request a stress test before beginning this phase. The goal of Phase II is to promote positive lifestyle changes through education and physical conditioning so that you may resume normal activities. You benefit also from the group support by socializing and talking with others who have similar problems.

Physical conditioning is improved by starting slowly and gradually increasing your time, resistance and speed while exercising on equipment such as treadmills, NuStep and bicycle. Hand weights and weight training are also part of our conditioning program.

Blood pressure, pulse, and heart rhythm are closely monitored during exercise. Counseling and education are provided by the rehab team.

Classes on diet, nutrition, exercise, stress management, medications, smoking cessation, and risk factors for cardiopulmonary diseases are offered to participants and their spouses.

Exercise times are scheduled Monday through Friday. Appointment times can be individualized to meet your needs.

Phase III - Phase III is the maintenance phase of our program. During this phase, participants work at maintaining or improving their level of fitness through supervised exercise sessions and ongoing education. Participants are encouraged to be more independent. Phase III is offered at a nominal fee. Most insurances do not provide coverage for maintenance programs.

Who should participate?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with cardiac problems within the past year, and who wants to make a change in the way they move, eat and live. Participants will enjoy the safety of a medically supervised program and the personal attention of trained experts.

Will insurance cover Cardiac Rehab?
Medicare and many other insurance companies may cover most of the cost of cardiac rehabilitation. We encourage you to check with your insurance carrier to obtain coverage information before enrolling in one of our programs.

How do I get started?
A doctor’s referral is required to enter the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Contact your doctor to ask for a referral or ask one of our staff members to contact your doctor directly.
For more information call 618-635-4230.