Cardiac Rehabilitation
The Cardiac
Rehabilitation Program at OSF St. Joseph was developed to
"counterattack" the effects and progression of heart and blood vessel
diseases. Exercise, education and counseling encourage the cardiac
patient toward a more active, healthy lifestyle. The program's three
phases-inpatient, outpatient and maintenance-provide patients with
immediate access to rehabilitation professionals while also giving them
support and guidance to maintain positive lifestyle behaviors.
Phase I Inpatient
The first phase is initiated soon after admission to the hospital and
continues throughout the patient's stay. It involves a gradual start of
low-level activities/exercises under the supervision of the Cardiac
Rehab staff. Appropriate educational material is offered that helps the
patient and family learn about nutrition, medications, stress and heart
care.
 Phase
II Outpatient
The second phase begins one to four weeks after discharge from the
hospital. An initial evaluation determines the patient's condition and
safe physical activity guidelines to ensure the proper level of exercise
is prescribed.
The Phase II program
consists of three one-hour exercise sessions a week for eight to 12
weeks. EKG, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored continuously
throughout each session. The program offers a variety of exercise
equipment including an Air-Dyne bike, treadmills, recumbent bike, arm
ergometers, rowing machines and light weights.
In Phase II,
education provides additional information concerning heart anatomy and
disease, risk factors, effects of exercise, stress management and more.
Phase III Maintenance
The final phase is designed to help the patient stay in good physical
condition. Three exercise sessions a week are supervised by the Cardiac
Rehab staff. For more information, and cost information call
309-662-3311, ext. 2654.
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