Situated on the second floor of the brand-new building, Deborah’s Cardiac Rehab Program offers state-of-the-art cardiac rehabilitative services, with top-of-the line equipment and highly trained specialists to help patients who have recently had cardiac surgery, as well as patients with a variety of on-going cardiac conditions who would benefit from rehab services.

Timed to coincide with National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, Deborah Heart and Lung Center has announced the opening of its new Cardiac Rehab Program in the recently constructed medical office building on its Browns Mills campus.

“We have a wonderful array of equipment designed for a full-service cardiac rehab program,” said Kim Brown, Cardiac RN.

Some of the therapy equipment includes both upright and recumbent bikes offering lower seating, more back support, and reclined positioning; treadmills; ergometers providing circular upper arm exercise; latitude equipment for lateral stability moves; recumbent steppers (which are a seated version of an elliptical machine); circuit machines with a hoist and functional trainer; and free weights.

“All our patients are provided with a personally-tailored plan,” added Brown, “designed for one-hour classes spread over 36 sessions. The sessions are designed based on a patient’s availability, schedule, and exercise tolerance.”

Cardiac Rehab Medical Director S. Justin Szawlewicz, MD, noted: “Cardiac rehab is excellent for patients who have had bypass or valve surgery. Obviously there are limitations and restrictions on some patients, but those who have had a heart attack or have congestive heart failure can also benefit from an integrated cardiac rehab program.”

Brown added that in addition to specialized nurses, the program coordinates the services of skilled respiratory therapists and a cardio/pulmonary liaison. “The cardiac rehab services are provided with or without oxygen support, depending on a patient’s specific needs.”

Celebrating the opening of the program in conjunction with National Cardiac Rehab Week, the team at Deborah is excited about the opportunity to help patients recovering from heart surgery return to their active, engaged lives.

“There is nothing that makes us happier than to see our patients progress through their tailored program, enjoying increased physical activity, improved outlook and quality of life, and creating likelihood for future cardiovascular episodes to be minimized,” said Brown. “That is what makes this program so special to us.” The Cardiac Rehab Program at Deborah is open Monday-Friday from 8:00-4:00 p.m. Most insurances are accepted. For more information, call 609-735-2962.