| SMHC
Cardiac Rehab program invites public to open house
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at St. Mary’s Hospital is celebrating its 10th year of service. The staff will be hosting an Open House on Thursday, May 4th from 2:30 to 3:30 in the hospital’s Dining Room. At 3:00 p.m. Dr. Haley Minnehan, Medical Director, Cardiac Rehab Department, will make a presentation on issues relating to cardiac care. The public is invited to join in the celebration. 
“From the moment your heart problem is diagnosed, the road ahead is filled with opportunities, not obstacles. Getting involved in cardiac rehab is not just about good health, it’s about good sense,” said Mary Watson, RN, Program Coordinator. “It’s the smart thing to do for your future and your family.” According to Watson, the program is designed for people regardless of their cardiac condition. “We encourage people who have concerns, whether someone has had coronary artery bypass surgery, a stent procedure, angioplasty or a myocardial infarct (heart attack), we invite them to visit our program.” The SMHC physicians and cardiac rehab staff work closely with Dr. Eric Orme and Dr. Michael Hostetler, Cardiologists with Heart Clinics Northwest in Spokane. Both have regular clinic hours at the SMH Cottonwood clinic. The department not only receives referrals from the SMHC providers and other area physicians, but also from Sacred Heart and Deaconess Hospitals in Spokane. In addition to providing active programming and monitoring, the staff also supervise the patients during the maintenance phase of their recovery. Other services include administering exercise treadmill testing and applying King of Hearts and Holter monitors for diagnositics. It is the only cardiac rehabilitation facility between Boise and Moscow, Idaho. Rehab staff include Mary Watson, RN; Shellie Lothspeich RN; Ella Schaeffer CNA; and Lana Lentz CNA. “Cardiac rehab gives people the tools, knowledge, and motivation to fight the progression of cardiovascular disease through education and lifestyle changes,” said Watson. “Our staff is very aware of how cardiac rehabilitation can help people achieve their full potential for well-being and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide this service to our area.” |
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