Dorsey Dye takes care of his heart through cardiac rehab at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System. He recently joined teams from across the healthcare system including the cardiac rehab departments from Community Hospital to participate in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk in Lake County.
For Dye, cardiac rehab has increased his activity levels. “My body is much stronger. Some of my nurses-Leticia, Kathryn, Katie, Mike, Cameron, Joy and Darlene-and I talked about forming a team. I set a goal for myself that if I could pass the last rehab (test), I would go to the walk. They are a good bunch of people who know what they are doing, have positive attitudes and offer encouragement.”
“Cardiac rehab is a complete lifestyle change and an ongoing commitment,” says Leticia Duvnjak , RN, supervisor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II, Community Hospital. “You can’t just do it for 12 weeks and then say, ‘I’m done’. It is the camaraderie that keeps them motivated. They are their own cheerleaders for each other as well as the staff who keep them coming back.”
To learn more about inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation at the hospitals of Community Healthcare System, visit COMHS.org/heart.
