Heart disease causes more deaths in the United States than all forms of cancer and other medical diseases combined. Fortunately, modern technology, along with improved medical knowledge, has helped greater numbers of people survive initial acute cardiac problems. The Firelands Heart Center's cardiac rehabilitation program is designed to help cardiac patients make the changes needed to return to their optimum physical and psychological levels.

These professionals are committed to encouraging and motivating patients to make necessary lifestyle changes including smoking cessation and weight loss through diet and exercise.

The team includes physicians, nurses and exercise specialists all certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. A Registered Dietician, Pharmacist and other specialists are available for education and assistance to patients and their families throughout the program.

For more information about the program call the Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at 419-557-7689 or contact your physician.

Chronic lung disease is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States and although lung disease cannot be cured, it can be treated. The Firelands Heart Center's Pulmonary Rehabilitation program helps pulmonary patients achieve the highest quality of life possible by learning how to effectively manage this disease and its symptoms.

• Clients with chronic obstructive bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, bronchial asthma, or any other diagnosed COPD with mild to moderately severe symptoms not requiring hospitalization.
• Pre-and post-lung transplant and pre-and post-lung volume reduction surgery clients
• Clients with pulmonary disorders, including restrictive lung disease or gas exchange abnormalities exhibiting mild to severe symptoms, but not requiring hospitalization.

Patients must have the approval of their personal physician and meet admission guidelines.

• An increase in the patient's level of physical activity and endurance
• Decreased fatigue.
• Less frequent and shorter hospital visits.
• Improve patient self-confidence in dealing with the disease.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation team includes professionals in cardiology, pulmonology, nursing, nutrition, respiratory therapy, physical and occupational therapy, pharmacy and social services. These professionals are committed to encouraging and motivating patients to making necessary lifestyle changes like smoking cessation and weight loss through diet and exercise. This team of physicians, nurses and exercise specialists is specifically trained in pulmonary rehabilitation and certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

For more information about the program call the Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at 419-557-7689 or contact your physician.