Lake Regional Health System is marking National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week from February 9 to 13, highlighting the importance of cardiac rehab in supporting patients after heart events.
According to Jody Corpe, M.S., E.P., Cardiopulmonary Rehab manager at Lake Regional Health System, “Cardiac rehabilitation helps patients regain confidence and build healthier habits after a cardiac event. National Cardiac Rehab Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the progress of our patients and the dedication of our rehab team.”
Throughout the week, staff and patients participate in themed dress days to foster camaraderie. The community is invited to take part in Wear Red Day on Friday, February 13, which aims to raise awareness about heart health.
Lake Regional’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program holds certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The program follows a structured recovery plan starting with Phase 1 in the hospital, where patients are introduced to heart-healthy practices.
After hospital discharge, Phase 2 continues at Lake Regional facilities in Eldon, Laurie, and Osage Beach through the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) Program. This Medicare-approved program combines supervised exercise with education on nutrition, stress management, medication use, and healthy lifestyle choices. Patients typically complete 72 sessions—double that of standard programs—to encourage lasting behavior change.
During this phase, clinical exercise physiologists tailor exercise plans based on individual responses such as heart rate and blood pressure. Nurses and dietitians offer guidance on safe activity levels and diet adjustments for heart health.
Upon completion of Phase 2, participants can join a supervised maintenance exercise program (Phase 3) at any Lake Regional cardiopulmonary rehab location to help maintain fitness gains.
Cardiac rehabilitation serves individuals recovering from conditions such as heart attack, angioplasty or stents, bypass or valve surgery, heart failure, among others. Entry into the program requires a physician referral; Lake Regional offers assistance with this process.
For more details about cardiac rehabilitation services or enrollment information at Lake Regional’s certified facilities in Eldon, Laurie or Osage Beach, visit lakeregional.com/CardiacRehab or call 573-302-2280.
