Cardiac Rehabilitation | Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge

Cardiac rehabilitation programs aim to help people who have had a heart attack or other
cardiac event make the changes they need for a healthy lifestyle. In a rehab program, health professionals will work with you to show you how to watch your blood pressure, help you stop smoking, alter your diet, and set up an exercise routine.

Most people who have had a heart attack get a great deal of benefit out of a cardiac rehab program. Rehab helps the person who has had a heart attack take control of his or her own recovery. And taking control is what will make recovery work. The goal of rehab is to form habits that will make and keep you healthy.

Methodist’s Cardiac Rehab Program can help patients during their recovery and throughout their lives. Hospitalized patients may begin cardiac rehab with non-strenuous activities such as sitting up in bed, doing range-of-motion exercises, and walking.

During early recovery, which may last from two to 12 weeks, patients gradually increase their activity level under the close supervision of cardiac rehab specialists and may do moderate exercises at home. Long-term cardiac rehab may continue for the rest of a patient’s life. It may include exercise at home and at Methodist’s Cardiac Rehab center, along with continuing education on diet, weight loss, and lifestyle choices.

Methodist’s Cardiac Rehab Program offers an individualized plan of monitored exercise and education in a medically supervised environment. A physician’s referral is required, so if your doctor hasn’t talked with you about a cardiac rehabilitation program, you should ask about it.

Recovering from a heart attack means changing your life in positive ways—not smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, staying active, and forming partnerships with health professionals. Those steps don’t just reduce your risk and fear of another heart attack. They also make life healthier and more fun.

Talk to your doctor about a referral to Methodist’s Cardiac Rehab Program or call (865) 835-5234.

Smoking Cessation – You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

When you stop smoking, your body begins to enjoy the benefits almost immediately, and those benefits can last a lifetime. If you are ready to stop smoking, Methodist Medical Center and Covenant Health can help. Whether you need the support and accountability of a group atmosphere or you prefer a modern, mobile application, there is an option for you.

Methodist’s cardiopulmonary rehab program offers Freedom from Smoking®, a six-class series, 4 times each year.

Class participants work with an instructor from Methodist to identify people, places and things that trigger their urge to light up; create a stop smoking plan that fits their individual needs; and receive support to help avoid a relapse. The American Lung Association developed Freedom from Smoking® classes. The fee of $50 per person is refundable upon completion of all 6 classes. Registration is required.

This class series will meet from 4-5 p.m. in Methodist’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab Classroom, Suite 360, Westmall Medical Park, 200 New York Ave., Oak Ridge. To register, please call (865) 835-4662 or 1-800-468-6767.