The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to helping patients who have heart disease adopt a healthier lifestyle. The program includes education, counseling and exercise in a friendly environment. Participants who attend regular classes develop a camaraderie that is supportive and helps the healing process.

A program of exercise, education and counseling is designed by the FirstHealth Cardiac Rehab team to meet the patients’ specific needs and goals for promoting cardiovascular health. Cardiac Rehab patients have had a history of

• heart attack
• angina (chest discomfort)
• heart bypass, valve surgery or transplantation
• angioplasty or stent
• CHF (congestive heart failure)
• cardiac risk factors

The FirstHealth Cardiac Rehab Team offers two programs, both designed to fit your individual needs. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is prescribed by your physician and may be recommended for up to 12 weeks.

The Bridge to Wellness Program, a program for prevention and progression, is designed for graduates of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program or those who do not require cardiac rehabilitation, but could benefit from the professional guidance of learning to exercise safely.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Exercise & Training

Exercise sessions are held three (3) times a week, and include stretching exercises, aerobic and resistive weight training. Classes are held in a spacious, brightly lit exercise area surrounded by windows and filled with modern exercise equipment and weights. An initial evaluation helps determine a program that meets and adapts to the patients needs.

During the exercise sessions, the patients’ heart rate and rhythm are assessed through ECG monitoring.

Blood pressure and pulse rate are also frequently obtained by the cardiac rehab team, which includes cardiac nurses, exercise physiologists, registered dietitian and physicians.

Wellness & Risk Factor Modification

Education is an important component to promoting cardiovascular health. Weekly sessions help the patient and their family members learn about healthy lifestyle habits. Group sessions, as well as individual counseling, are available to address these important aspects:

• nutrition and weight control
• counseling and stress management
• smoking cessation
• cardiovascular fitness
• medication and risk factor education
• cholesterol management

Your Program

Because the cardiac rehabilitation program is designed specifically for achieving the patients’ goals, it may be prescribed up to twelve (12) weeks in length. With committed participation, patients can achieve improved fitness level and quality of life.

For more information please contact:

FirstHealth Cardiac Rehabilitation Program – Pinehurst
(910) 715-1886 (view map)

FirstHealth Cardiac Rehabilitation Program – Rockingham
(910) 410-9542 (view map)

or call toll free at (888) 504-3488.

Bridge to Wellness
A Progressive Approach to Cardiovascular Health

A program for prevention and progression,the FirstHealth Bridge to Wellness program provides participants with education and resources that allow them to understand the principles and importance of managing their fitness program based on individual fitness levels.

Participants’ health history, goals and preferences are incorporated in an individualized exercise prescription. The program’s interactive atmosphere exposes participants to safe and effective techniques for improving current levels of fitness through ongoing education, heart rate training, blood pressure monitoring and a variety of exercise activities.

Participants will benefit from the guidance of our professional cardiac staff and learn the skills for healthy living in a supportive, encouraging and private atmosphere. Exercise sessions are supervised by nurses and exercise physiologists, and health education is tailored to participants’ needs.

This class is for you if you…

• Are a graduate of cardiac rehabilitation
• Do not require cardiac rehabilitation, but could benefit from the professional guidance of learning to exercise safely
• Have a family history of cardiovascular disease and want to take preventive measures
• Are trying to control your blood pressure and/or cholesterol through exercise

• Are interested in a structured exercise program and do not qualify for insurance coverage for cardiac rehabilitation due to certain conditions or procedures, such as obesity, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy or asymptomatic known heart disease.

• Have Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Have Diabetes (lets us help manage blood glucose levels through exercise)
• Have had Bariatric surgery

Benefits of participating in the Bridge to Wellness program can include:

• Decreased incidence of Coronary Artery Disease
• Decreased chance of developing hypertension
• Help in controlling previously diagnosed hypertension
• Improved circulation
• Decreased risk of onset Type 2 Diabetes
• Decreased Total Cholesterol (increases HDL and decrease LDL)
• Increased energy levels
• Improved strength
• Controlled/Maintained stable blood glucose levels
• Weight loss

A Fitness Assessment for aerobic capacity, body composition analysis and strength will be completed prior to program participation.

In addition to the many components of the class, education lectures will be given covering a range of related topics.

Bridge to Wellness is available for both members and non-members of the FirstHealth Centers for Health & Fitness.

For more information including class times and cost, call the FirstHealth Bridge to Wellness Program at (910) 410-9542 or stop by the front desk at the FirstHealth Center for Health & Fitness – Richmond . In Pinehurst call (910) 715-1886 or stop by the front desk at the FirstHealth Center for Health & Fitness – Pinehurst.