Blessing cardiac rehabilitation program earns national accreditation

QUINCY — Blessing Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program has earned three-year accreditation from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Studies show patients who participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack, heart failure or other heart problem that required surgery or medical care decreased their chance of death related to their condition in the following five years by about 35 percent.

Programs earning accreditation must meet or exceed standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies.

Blessing Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation team works with a patient’s heart doctor to develop a health and wellness plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs and limitations. Elements of the plan include a structured physical fitness program that helps gradually build endurance and cardiovascular function through the use of cardio machines such as treadmills and stationary bikes in addition to strength training exercises, and wellness classes that focus on a range of healthy living topics including healthy eating, weight loss, smoking cessation and stress management.

The program has three phases — inpatient, outpatient and a maintenance phase.

For more information on Blessing Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program, call 217-223-1200, ext. 4204.