BCHS cardiac and pulmonary rehab program
featured in trade journal
Every year, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients
at Battle Creek Health System take a trip to better health.
One year, they bicycled to the Mackinac Bridge, another
they 'mushed' their way on the Iditarod Trail, and they
cruised the Caribbean. All of those journeys involved
putting on tennis shoes, hiking up their workout gear,
and 'walking' 'cycling,' 'stair climbing,' and 'rowing'
their way around the world on the BCHS campus.
This unique program concept was captured in a feature
article in the October issue of American Association
for Respiratory Care Times. The journal highlights, among
other things, best-practice programs from around the
country to help its members introduce new ideas in their
health care planning. The BCHS article demonstrates effective
ways in keeping routine exercise enjoyable and competitive.
"Based upon a theme, our patients receive credit
for exercise they complete in the rehab program toward
a designated destination," says Deb Pierce, RRT
of the BCHS pulmonary rehabilitation center, who authored
the article. "We equate one hour of exercise to
a certain number of miles of credit. For example, last
year's balloon challenge calculated 400 miles equaled
one hour of exercise with the goal to fly 23,180 miles
around the earth. We have found that 'themed' events
like these are a highlight for our patients. After all,
when patients enjoy their exercise regimen, they tend
to stay with it, which keeps them healthier-- and that's
what this is all about."
The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
Rehabilitation (AACVPR) certifies the BCHS Pulmonary
and Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers. The pulmonary program
serves those who suffer from chronic obstructive lung
disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma,
bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The cardiac program
helps individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Anyone who has undergone open-heart surgery or stent
placement, has experience a heart attack, or has been
diagnosed with stable angina (chest pain) is eligible
for cardiac rehabilitation. The programs consist of educational
classes as well as monitored exercise sessions.
To learn more about the pulmonary program, call (269)
966-8438, or (269) 966-8199 for the cardiac program.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent
organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic
health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing
homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care
agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS
Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission
on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle
Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network,
is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery
Excellence Award(tm) and 2010 Five Star rated for joint
replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades
is a leading health care information company that provides
objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides
excellent health care for the community and promotes
wellness for the whole person with access and compassion
for all. For the latest medical information, visit the
BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing
Department at (269) 966-8132. |
