Your doctor says you’ve got a heart problem.
You generally feel good and think to yourself, “That can’t be right”, but before you can get a word out edgewise the stress of that diagnosis and internal dialogue you’re working on makes your heart “skip a beat” and you settle into your seat, accept the news and ask what you can do to offset the progression of things.
This scenario happens far too often. According to the World Health Organization, Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally and accounted for 17,000,000 premature deaths in 2015.
In the time it took you to read this far one person in the United States has passed due to cardiovascular disease. The grim reality is that 1 in 4 American deaths is because of heart disease.
February is American Heart Month and also has our favorite heart-centric holiday, Valentine’s Day! While it is the month for lovers and all things heart related, we want February to also remind us (and you!) to take care of our hearts! So, we are here to give some insight and education to help keep your heart strong.
Taking an active role in your care will help you enjoy a healthier future. You can reduce future problems if you react quickly to new or worsening symptoms.
Three things to kick off a great game plan are:
- 1. Set and know your goals. Start with a big goal and break it down into monthly, weekly, and daily tasks.
- 2. Find a system that will help you stay dedicated to your goals and the health habit changes you have committed yourself to. A great example is an accountability partner!
- 3. Take your medication correctly. Whether its doctor ordered or over-the-counter wellness supplements. Staying regular with your medication is super important.
One way we’ve taken action is by creating, implementing, and growing our Cardiac Therapy Program which was designed in response to an increased need for the rehabilitation of cardiac patients in the post-acute care setting. Be it your home, outpatient clinic, or skilled nursing facility, the program enables therapists to successfully rehabilitate patients suffering from cardiac conditions in the safest, most optimal manner. The program focuses on patients with post-acute cardiac events, as well as patients with acute and chronic congestive heart failure.
Most heart disease patients can help lower their risk of future heart problems if they make changes to improve their health. Building a healthier future is a partnership between the patient and the healthcare professionals who can help you change your health habits. You can play an active role in making these changes no matter your age or situation!
Our Cardiac Rehabilitation program is a professionally supervised program to help patients recover from heart attacks, heart surgery, and percutaneous (through-the-skin) coronary intervention procedures such as stenting and angioplasty. We provide education and therapy services to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack.
Many people of all ages who have heart conditions can benefit from a cardiac rehab program. You may benefit if you have or have had a:
- Heart attack
- Heart condition, such as coronary artery disease, angina or heart failure
- Heart procedure or surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention (including coronary angioplasty and stenting), valve replacement, or a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator).
Our programs are individualized and can include a medical evaluation to determine your needs and limitations, a physical activity program tailored to your needs, support, and education to help you understand your condition and how to manage it.
When you work with Blue Sky Therapy professionals to turn back the effects of a heart condition, you’ll get:
- Regular physical activity that helps your heart and the rest of your body get stronger and work better. Physical activity improves your energy level and lifts your spirits. It also reduces your chances of future heart problems, including heart attack.
- Support and education that can help you quit smoking, eat right, lose weight, and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Techniques that may also help you learn to manage stress and to feel better about your health.
- Advice and close supervision to help you improve your health and lower your risk of future problems. These professionals can also communicate with your primary care doctor or cardiologist.
So … take heart! Blue Sky’s ahead — We are here for you!
About Blue Sky Therapy
Blue Sky Therapy delivers innovative physical, occupational, and speech therapy services in skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care, in-home therapy, and outpatient therapy clinics. Blue Sky Therapy owns and operates six outpatient clinics in Ohio and Florida. Ohio locations: Akron, Mansfield, Marion, and Warren. Florida locations: Bonita Springs and Naples.
