Cardiovascular services
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center
The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program at Halifax Regional Hospital benefits
both heart and lung patients in their recovery and helps them achieve a healthier
lifestyle. Open five days a week, our rehab gym includes exercise equipment
designed especially for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and a staff well trained
in its use.Cardiac rehabilitation helps individuals who have experienced:
- Angina
- Heart attack
- Heart surgery
- Other heart problems
Pulmonary rehabilitation helps individuals who have been diagnosed with:
- Emphysema
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
The staff of the cardiopulmonary rehab center is specially trained in cardiac
and pulmonary rehabilitation and advanced cardiac life support. Physicians
who are board- certified in cardiology and pulmonology supervise the program,
serve as medical directors and regularly review all rehabilitation activities.
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation:
- Promotes fitness and speedy recovery
- Helps participants better understand his or her medical condition and how
it affects his or her lifestyle.
- Builds confidence and alleviates feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Involves the participant’s family in the recovery
process.
- Teaches participants how to lead a more active and healthy life.
- Helps reduce the risk of recurring health problems.
Starting the program
When your physician thinks you are ready for rehabilitation activities, he
or she will develop an exercise and education program based on your needs and
medical condition.
Attendance
You will be scheduled to come to the center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Based on the exercise prescription designed by one of the center’s medical
directors, your program will last approximately six to twelve weeks. Depending
on your progress and recovery, your exercise program will gradually introduce
more active goals.
Education
In addition to exercise, you will receive instruction in a group setting to
learn about nutrition, stress management and how to take your medications so
they work best for you. You will also learn to recognize potential health problems
so you can make necessary lifestyle changes.
After the Program
Your doctor may recommend that you continue the program for several more weeks
or may suggest that you follow an individually developed, safe exercise program
at home, at a health or fitness center or in the maintenance program available
at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Cardiopulmonary Rehab Maintenance Program
The PhaseIII maintenance program is a non-monitored, supervised exercise program
in which patients can participate up to five times a week. Patients may also
participate in educational group sessions.
This program allows patients who have completed the cardiac or pulmonary program
to continue to use the center for regular medically supervised exercise. Individuals
who do not have diagnosed heart or lung disease and would like to learn ways
to reduce their risk factors for these diseases may also utilize this program.
A physician’s referral is required. There is a monthly fee for
the Phase III program.
For more information, call the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center at (434)
517-3846.
Back to top
