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Not Just Any Gym: Cardiac Rehab at GWV

Having heart surgery is just the first step in restoring heart health.  There is often months of work to do to get a patient’s cardiovascular system back ...

Having heart surgery is just the first step in restoring heart health.  There is often months of work to do to get a patient's cardiovascular system back up to speed.  And that's where cardiac rehab comes in.

We found Ted Zwiebel of Hanover Township getting a good workout in on a Friday afternoon, and ask him how old he is.

"That's rather personal, isn't it?" he replied with a smile.

Ted is actually 81.  He has recently had heart surgery, during which doctors inserted stents into his arteries.  It wasn't his first heart surgery, and this isn't just any gym.  It's the Pearsall Cardiac Rehab Facility, part of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center near Wilkes-Barre.

"I can feel the difference in the bicycling and the steps. I hate the treadmill so I'm not going to even talk about that," Ted laughed.

Patients like Ted who use the facility are referred here by their doctors, to get their cardiac function back.  Often someone who has had a heart attack or some sort of heart surgery is a good candidate.

"Once they are completed with their hospital stay, that's when we see them. We get them back on their feet, back to doing the things they used to do before their cardiac event," said Kristopher Kotch, an exercise specialist at Geisinger Health System.  He says he generally works with patients six to 10 weeks after surgery, for 36 visits, three times a week for 12 weeks.  It's a commitment, but one Kotch thinks is crucial to teaching patients how to live a healthier life.

"We give them the tools they need to make the changes in their lifestyle, so they won't have another cardiac event," Kotch said.

Ted is a relative newbie.  But so far, he already feels as though he's getting stronger.

"It's working. I've only been here 3 times but it's working."

The Pearsall Cardiac Rehab Facility also features a small kitchen.  As part of the program, officials bring in chefs to teach participants heart-healthy cooking recipes and techniques.

 

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