Cardiac Rehab is an exercise and educational program for anyone who has had a recent heart problem such as a heart attack, bypass surgery, angina (chest pain), valve surgery or heart transplant.

Pulmonary Rehab is an exercise and educational program for patients who have lung disease such as COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

Patients need a physician's order to enter the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab programs. The physician receives regular reports about their patient's progress.

A normal rehab program can run as long as 12 weeks, with most patients participate three times per week. The length of the program depends on the individual patient's needs and progress and some insurance limitations.

Each patient receives information on modifying their own particular risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, weight loss, diet, stress management and high blood pressure.  

Services:

• Exercise - Each patient exercises based on their tolerance and is encouraged to gradually progress as they are able. Equipment includes treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, recumbent bike, recumbent stepper and arm bike.
  
  
• Education - A combination of 1:1 instruction, videotapes, and printed materials are used. Each patient receives a free consultation with the hospital dietitian and an explanation of their medication from the BCH pharmacist.
  
  
• Weight Training - Each patient who is eligible to lift light weights is trained by an exercise physiologist in the proper technique and appropriate weights for their particular needs. A variety of equipment is available, including dumb bells, therabands, dowels, and weight circuit machine.
  
  
• Public Education - Employees provide educational talks to the public about their specific area of health and wellness. There is no charge for the presentations.