The team is settling into its new location at the rear of the main lobby, third floor, at LVH–Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street near the parking garage elevators.
A Community Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, February 20 from 6 – 8 p.m.
“It’s a great space,” says Crysta Zimmerman, exercise physiologist and program coordinator. “Our team is very excited about this move and our patients are excited too.”
The 3,500-square-foot department will meet current needs and allow for future growth. The new suite includes a reception desk, exercise are private consultation room, two curtained bays, utility and storage rooms, staff documentation areas as well as an expanded gym area.
“This new unit is terrific and allows our patients the space they need to exercise and successfully achieve their goals” says Craig Souders, director of rehabilitation for Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). “Access to our services is much improved because patients have convenient parking in our garage and the department is just a few steps away from the elevator.”
Featured in the cardiac rehab unit is a new telemetry monitoring system for patients. All patients receive supervised exercise and electrocardiographic monitoring during their rehabilitation program, which typically lasts up to 12 weeks.
Afterward, many patients choose to continue with our cardiac maintenance program which provides monitored exercise, opportunities to better manage chronic diseases and education to live healthier lifestyles.
Cardiac rehabilitation at LVH–Schuylkill is an outpatient program, particularly beneficial for patients who have had:
* Heart attack
* Bypass surgery
* Stable angina (chest pain)
* PTCA/stent
* Congestive heart failure
* Value replacement
* Heart transplant
Cardiac rehabilitation begins soon after a patient is discharged from the hospital. It is a health and exercise program which also includes information on controlling risk factors such as:
* Smoking
* High cholesterol
* Hypertension
* Stress
* Physical inactivity
* Weight management
* Nutrition and wellness
* Diabetes
Robert DeColli, MD, LVPG–Schuylkill medical director and practicing physician at LVPG Internal Medicine–Laurel Boulevard, serves as medical director of the new unit.
Cardiac rehabilitation is open Monday through Friday by appointment. Physician referral is required. The telephone number is 570-621-5490.