When my new cardiac rehab friend Jan started Troy Beaumont’s Phase III program, George W. Bush was U.S. president — in his first term. That was in 2004 — 14 years ago! — and aside from a few minor health issues, Jan hasn’t stopped exercising since. The Clarkston, Mich., resident says cardiac rehab keeps her mind and body strong and healthy, plus moving around beats sitting around at home. At the Troy, Mich., facility, Phase III cardiac rehabilitation includes a group-based, medically supervised exercise program, up to five days per week for one hour. Patients pay a nominal monthly fee not typically covered by insurance. Additional Phase III activities include…
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Full circle
“It’s the circle of life And it moves us all Through despair and hope Through faith and love “Till we find our place On the path unwinding In the circle The circle of life“ “Circle of Life,” from Disney’s animated film, “The Lion King” What a difference a year makes. This time last November, I was lying on an ER gurney, my heart revved up to a resting rate of 135 beats per minute, fluttering in and out of something called atrial fibrillation. A-Fib, as it’s commonly known, is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Sometimes you…
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Graduation day
Cue up “Pomp and Circumstance.” Today was my last day of cardiac rehab. I even received a nifty certificate of recognition for completing the program. Three months. Twelve weeks. Thirty-six visits. A necessary physical and emotional adventure filled with lots of sweat, some tears of joy and a lasting sense of accomplishment. Back in August, when I began this rehabilitative journey, the view from my treadmill was hundreds of trees in full bloom. Birds swooping under bright blue skies held my attention more than daytime TV or an iTunes playlist titled, “Rehab.” My initial pace of 1.7 mph with 0.5 (barely) elevation was painfully slow. I know that now because…
