Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Exercise Services
HeartFITT Program - Cardiac Rehabilitation for a healthier heart
Sturdy Health's HeartFITT Program is an outpatient exercise and education program for individuals recovering from a heart event. It is designed to gradually progress exercise endurance and help you return to normal, daily activities. The program is medically supervised by nurses and exercise physiologists and provides an individualized FITT exercise plan (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type). The program also includes risk factor education and nutrition guidance designed for maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of further heart disease.
If you have suffered from a heart event such as a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve replacement/repair, heart transplant, angina and/or angioplasty, stent, or congestive heart failure (CHF), ask your doctor if you are a candidate for cardiac rehabilitation. Doctor referral is required for our HeartFITT program and may be covered by insurance. If you do not qualify for our HeartFITT Program then you may benefit from our WellFITT Program, a 12-session, self-pay exercise program that also includes a medically supervised FITT exercise plan designed specifically for you and your goals.
Exercise Training
Exercise training strengthens your heart and body, helping them work more efficiently. Physical activity improves your energy level and stamina which helps to reduce your risk for future health concerns, including heart attack. Our exercise physiologists prescribe an individualized exercise plan based on the FITT Principle as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine.
FITT Principle: A prescription of exercise designed to work especially for you.
Frequency - How often you will work out
Intensity - How hard you will push yourself
Time - How long you will exercise
Type - The kind of exercise you do
Your exercise program will take place in our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise Facility located at Sturdy Memorial Hospital over several weeks.
Educational Counseling
During the program, you will receive the advice and close supervision of health care professionals to help you improve your health and lower your risk of future health concerns. Registered nurses and exercise physiologists will combine exercise and education to help you understand your heart condition. You will be taught how to eat healthy, lose weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as quit smoking. In addition, counseling may also help you learn how to manage stress and feel better about your health.
How to get started
Call (508) 236-7390 to inquire about our program and determine qualifications. You will need a referral from your doctor for the HeartFITT Program for cardiac rehabilitation. Once we receive the referral and you qualify for the program, we will set up your initial evaluation with the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation staff. The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation multidisciplinary team will design an effective program to meet your needs and goals.
Exercise sessions meet 2 - 3 times per week and include customized exercise combined with group lectures from hospital staff (registered nurses, exercise physiologists, registered dietitians, diabetes educators, and pharmacists).
By the end of the program, you will have a tailored plan to continue your heart healthy lifestyle. A final summary report is also sent to your doctor.
Most health insurances cover cardiac rehabilitation, partially or fully, if you have a qualifying diagnosis. Depending upon your insurance coverage, your length of participation may differ.
If you do not qualify for the HeartFITT Program, you may benefit from Sturdy Health's WellFITT Program.
