Cardiac rehabilitation can be lifesaving. Western Baptist Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program helps heart patients recover by minimizing physical complications. According to Western Baptist Hospital cardiologist Dr. Patrick Withrow, the program offers individual exercise prescriptions and educational programs designed to help each individual maintain a healthy lifestyle.“Exercise is a vital component in the healing process,” says Dr. Withrow. “The cardiac rehab program at Western Baptist is administered by nurses specifically trained to work with cardiac patients and their families. It’s an essential part of a patient’s path to recovery.”

A physician may request a Cardiac Rehab Phase I Program while a patient is still in the hospital. During this phase, an educational program is designed to teach the patient about his or her specific condition. Phase II is a nine-week program that meets for 90 minutes, three times a week. It includes one hour of closely monitored exercise and 30 minutes of education on risk factor modifications. Phase III is a maintenance program for participants who have completed Phase II and includes closely supervised exercises and heart rhythm monitoring.
Baptist Family Fitness has now introduced a Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at both the Paducah and Calvert City facilities. Exercise Specialist Scott Greene explains that Phase IV is an exercise program designed to encourage participants to continue exercise after graduation from Phase III. “The participant may enroll within 90 days of graduation from Phase III to receive a discounted rate, and have his or her health enrollment fee waived,” says Greene. “Upon joining the program, he or she will be given a full assessment by an exercise specialist, who can then personalize an exercise program to meet that person’s specific needs.”

Greene says that the Phase IV participant will be required to have a pre- and post-exercise blood pressure reading and body weight assessment, and exercise charts will be maintained to track progress. While enrolled in the Phase IV Program, participants will have full access to the Baptist Family Fitness facility. Exercise specialists are available Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Want to learn More?
For more information on the Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Baptist Family Fitness, call 270-443-PLAY (7529) in Paducah.