As part of celebrating "Heart Week" 2025,
Cardiac rehab's sharing how their patients come to thrive.
It all starts with a medical director and supervisor who know the team,
And hold each of them in highest esteem.
Then comes location on the CSC's second floor,
Boasting expansive windows just inside the door.
The most valuable resource is the cardiac rehab staff,
They are skilled, work hard and find time to laugh.
Education is part of each patient's plan,
With staff teaching classes to as many patients as they can.
The Anatomy class features the heart and its parts,
Understanding the cardiovascular system is where it all starts.
Tobacco cessation class encourages smokers to abstain,
for those who quit, it's a huge gain.
Exercise class sets 150 minutes of exercise as a weekly goal,
Adding duration gradually so it won't take a toll.
Heart risk factors class suggests changes to make,
It's important patients know what heart healthy steps they can take.
The medication class teaches when to take pills and why,
In hopes of keeping patient med compliance at an all-time high.
The stress class introduces methods like breathing deep,
Learning coping strategies so stress won't interrupt sleep.
Nutrition class involves a dietitian review,
What's going well with food choices and what they might need to pursue.
For patients, it means 36 sessions where they might break a sweat,
Staff give encouragement when some don't feel brave enough yet.
Cardiac rehab may sound a bit tough but let's set you straight,
It's worth it when realizing a 20-30% reduction in all-cause mortality rate.
Plus, proof of substantial exercise capacity gain,
A decrease in depression, fatigue and chest pain.
Return to work and activities around the house,
Return to sexual activity with a partner or spouse.
Improved blood pressure, lipids, and possible loss of weight,
With all these benefits, it's obvious cardiac rehab's great!
So Happy Heart Week to all who read this rhyme,
Won't you be our Valentine?
Authored by Jill Carter, Cardiac Rehabilitation
