Cardiac Rehabilitation: Healing Hearts and Touching Lives,
A Heart Health Program at Pen Bay Medical Center

Robin Philbrook, RN, works with Terry Pinto of Rockland, a cardiac rehabilitation program participant during recent physical activity training at Pen Bay Medical Center.

Pen Bay's Cardiac Rehabilitation team celebrated National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, held this year February 10-16, to honor the professionalism and dedication of our Cardiac Rehabilitation professionals.

Terry Pinto, a program participant, writes, "I recently completed 36 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation after a triple bypass surgery. The staff in that department were friendly, kind, caring and most importantly, competent. I found the department to be extremely organized, well managed and the entire staff were caring and sensitive individuals. Their knowledge and abilities are second to none....What a fabulous team of professionals! The hospital has hit a home run with the entire staff of the Cardiac Rehabilitation department."

More than 100 new heart patients attend the Cardiac Rehab Program at Pen Bay every year, totaling more than 3000 visits. Patients who attend include those with a new diagnosis of heart disease, angina, heart attack, or open heart surgery. Rehabilitation staff assist each person in recognizing and lowering their individual risk for further development of heart disease. They support and guide patients as they make lasting lifestyle changes, such as improved eating habits, quitting smoking, establishing a regular home exercise program, and mastering relaxation techniques to decrease daily stress.

If you have questions about your risk for heart disease, please contact Pen Bay's Cardiac Rehabilitation department at 596-8989.