Recent statistics show that almost 5 million Americans are affected by heart failure and there are over 550,000 new cases each year. Numerous studies have documented the safety and benefits of exercise training in people with Heart Failure. An improvement in the ability to sustain low-level activities can mean that a person can live independently, continue to work and live life to the fullest, instead of being “disabled” by their heart.
Heart failure is a disease process that can be managed at home. By managing heart failure at home the admission rate to the hospital is decreased. The heart and lung wellness program provides guidelines for patients and families to help manage heart failure at home, Home Care Guidelines for Heart Failure.*
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The Heart and Lung Wellness Program also offers an outpatient program to help participants empower themselves, and be proactive in managing their symptoms of heart failure.
The program is designed to help participants:
- Increase awareness of serious signs and symptoms.
- Increase activity tolerance,
- Decrease symptoms related to congestive heart failure,
- Improve overall quality of life, and
- Reduce acute problems (i.e. admissions to the hospital)
To achieve these goals, we work in close communication with the participants and their physicians to report patient progress and help monitor the overall medical plan, including compliance with medications and diet. Additionally, our program provides the opportunity for early recognition of signs and symptoms and therefore, by early intervention, decreases number of days spent in the hospital.
The following are samples of the educational modules our program offers:
- Understanding Heart Failure
- Following a Low-Sodium Diet
- Heart Failure Medications
- Dealing with Your Symptoms of heart failure
- Exercise and Activity
- Stress Management
- Tips for your family and friends
For more information or to register for the program, call (406) 238-6428.