New addition to Cardiac Rehab Clinic

Photo:

Sandra Witas, of River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, is seen here on the newest piece of equipment for use in the Cardiac Rehab Clinic at Rumford Hospital. The machine was purchased with monies donated from the 2012 Healthy Hearts 5K and the Robert Crawford family. Also pictured are Dan Elliot, Tammy Berry, Robin Gilbert and Sharon Gates. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)

RUMFORD- The Cardiac Rehab Clinic recently added another piece of equipment to their various machines that are used by their heart and pulmonary clients. The sit down elliptical is the perfect addition.

“It’s a great piece of equipment to have on hand for our clients who are a little intimidated by the stand up machines,” stated Sharon Gates, Cardiac Nurse. “This piece should last us forever.”

The machine, bought through the generous donations of the Robert Crawford family and proceeds from the 2012 Healthy Hearts 5k, is one of many in the clinic that are being used to help rehabilitate patients after suffering a heart attack and helping pulmonary patients maintain their current physical abilities.

The clinic currently has 11 cardiac and six pulmonary patients they work with on a weekly basis. The staff help them with food and health education on how to care for their bodies after such a traumatic event and help them to better understand the repercussions of a relapse.

Through the month of February, the clinic observed heart health month and raising heart awareness by wearing red and encouraging their clients to participate in the Heart to Heart clinic.

If you would like more information on the Cardiac Rehab Clinic, visit www.rumfordhospital.org.

The Healthy Hearts 5k is a community-wide event that will take place on Sunday, May 19. All are welcome to register for this 3rd Annual family event and help raise funds for the Maine Harvest for Hunger Program.

Please visit www.rvhcc.org to register your family and help a hungry family this year.