Cape Coral cardiac rehab moves to new location

Cape Coral cardiac patients received a boost to their heart health when Cardiac Rehabilitation at Cape Coral Hospital moved locations this summer. The center allows patients to stay close to home when living with a cardiac issue.

"It is imperative to have Cardiac Rehabilitation in Cape Coral, as many of our patients have advanced age, are not able to drive far distances, have transportation issues, and if not for Cardiac Rehabilitation they would be unable to participate in this excellent service," says cardiologist Robert Cross, M.D.

The new location is easily accessible from the Women & Children's entrance located on the south side of Cape Coral Hospital, with access to convenient parking, the healing garden, discovery path and pond.

"There are multiple reasons why we wanted to make this move," Dr. Cross says. "Our patients get the exercise they need, which we all need more of, education, constant information on their condition, modification, and prevention and confidence. Patients regain their sense of physical activity, which wards off depression and they are introduced to other patients with the same or similar conditions. The evidence-based medicine data shows that patients who complete Cardiac Rehabilitation have less morbidity and mortality."

Cardiac Rehabilitation requires a physician's referral and is for patients who have had a specific heart event, like a heart attack or angina, and those who have ongoing issues, including heart transplantation or heart failure.

The outpatient comprehensive program consists of an individualized treatment plan including:

? Assessment and evaluation of personal risk factors.

? Beginning and maintaining a personalized exercise plan.

? Heart-healthy nutrition with focus on whole food, plant-based nutrition

? Maintaining a healthy weight.

? Stress management and psychosocial well-being with focus on mindfulness.

? Avoiding tobacco and environmental smoke.

? Education and support to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Cardiac Rehabilitation also provides support for monitoring and better control of other health-related areas, such as blood pressure, lipids/cholesterol, diabetes, medication compliance, and improved communication with physicians and other health care providers.

The new space has approximately 4,000 square feet and includes an exercise floor with exercise equipment inside a 120-foot track, locker rooms for men and women, reception/waiting area, reflection room, consultation rooms, staff offices, storage rooms, and staff lounge and bathroom.

Maintenance programs are also available after the prescribed program is completed, focusing on independence while helping the patient maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

"Cardiac Rehabilitation is not just about exercise," says Sandy Childress, system director, Cardiac Rehabilitation. "It's a comprehensive program that helps patients with cardiac problems build a healthier future. Education is vital to help individuals learn how to lower their risks for future heart problems."

Counseling and education can help patients quit smoking, eat healthier, lose weight, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The Cardiac Rehabilitation facility has been named in honor of the Culliton family and The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation of Cape Coral.

The new Cardiac Rehabilitation facility is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 424-2396 or see LeeMemorial.org. ¦