Ensuring heart care services are available in Frankfort and Benzie County makes sense to longtime Benzonia resident John Riegler. Five years after his massive heart attack on Feb. 4, 2013, he still sees big value in continuing his exercises at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation unit.
“I am in excellent health and I attribute that to rehab,” said the former long-time area businessman. “I choose this over belonging to a fitness club. We are monitored and are looked after very well and I am very pleased with how they treat everybody.”
The newly revamped rehab suite, located on the ground floor of the hospital, now includes picturesque views of Lake Michigan as well as more advanced technology that allows rehab specialists to better monitor and track patient data. Patients can also receive echocardiograms at the hospital, and future plans call for the addition of stress testing.
In addition to cardiac rehabilitation services, at least twice a month and sometimes more often, the hospital hosts providers from Traverse Heart and Vascular for patient appointments. Providers include Dino Recchia, M.D., FACC, nurse practitioner Edward Kraska, N.P., and physician assistant Adam Leech, PA-C, DPM.
“We are very pleased to be able to bring cardiac providers from Traverse City to see patients in our specialty clinic,” Paul Oliver Hospital President Peter Marinoff shared, adding that the new rehab suite is another step in keeping quality services close to home for residents of the region. “We hope the community will take some time to visit and see what we have to offer.”
According to Dr. Recchia, while advances in technology and heart care techniques are saving more lives, cardiac rehab is also an important part of the healing process.
“A strong cardiac rehabilitation program is crucial for ensuring the patient gains the most benefit from their treatment,” he said. “Study after study has shown that participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program leads to better long-term outcomes for patients with all types of cardiovascular disease no matter if they were treated with stents, heart surgery, or medications.”
Benefits include an improved quality of life, reduced chance of a repeat cardiac event and measurable improvement in psychological well-being.
“Despite these proven benefits of cardiac rehab, many patients do not participate and are jeopardizing their chance for the best outcome,” he said. “It’s critical people understand how important cardiac rehab is, and Paul Oliver offers an outstanding rehab team.”
Cardiac Rehab Coordinator Lorrell Guerra, R.N., and nurse Sue Wieshaar, L.P.N., are excited about the new rehab space.
“As evidenced by patient satisfaction surveys, our patients are highly satisfied with this department,” Guerra shared. “The one thing they asked for was windows. We are so pleased to be able to offer that to them.”
Weishaar said her favorite part of her job is helping people recover and get back to normal lives. “We receive letters of appreciation after our patients move on. It’s nice to know we’ve made a difference,” she said.
Benzie County-area residents are invited to attend the suite’s grand opening on Thursday, October 4 from 4 to 6 pm. During the open house, providers and staff will be available to answer questions and share information about the updated technology. Light refreshments also will be served.
More information on services provided at the hospital can be found at munsonhealthcare.org/pomh.