Contributed photo Nadine Greco, M.S., Cardiac Rehab Coordinator, works with Wayne Memorial Hospital cardiac patient Harold Sullum. (Click for larger image)

Wellness program helps chronic conditions

HONESDALE — It is a known fact that regular exercise can help treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, and asthma. However, if you have a chronic condition, starting an exercise program can be intimidating.

“It’s a catch-22,” said Ed Langendoerfer, Wellness Coordinator for Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH). “Exercise can really help many chronic conditions, but chronic conditions can make exercise more complicated. That’s why patients recovering from a heart attack go to cardiac rehab—it gives them a way to start an exercise program that is safe and designed just for their condition. But there are people with other conditions who can also benefit from a customized, supervised exercise program,” he said.

WMH’s rehabilitation program is divided into three phases. Phase I occurs while the patient is still in the Hospital. This initial phase emphasizes the importance of exercise, recognizing risk factors and making lifestyle changes to start the recovery process.

Phase II, an outpatient service, provides cardiac rhythm monitoring for patients as they gradually increase activity level. It promotes positive lifestyle changes and risk factor reduction through education and psychological support.

Phase III is a maintenance program for those patients who wish to continue with group exercise, education, and the support that helps them maintain their lifestyle and behavioral changes.

Through the new Wellness Program, WMH offers a program similar to Phase III of Cardiac Rehab but customized for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, and asthma.

For more information call 570/251-6530.