If you’re recovering from a recent heart attack or heart surgery, walking on a treadmill may be the last thing you’re interested in. Getting exercise is difficult when you’re not feeling well. Worry, fear, anxiety and even depression might occupy your mind, and you’re not thinking about working out. But exercising under the watchful eyes of a nurse, and the use of a heart monitor, can help you return to an active lifestyle.

Cardiac rehabilitation can make you less stressed, more energized, and improve your self-image—at the same time it is preventing bone loss, managing high blood pressure and helping to keep weight under control.

Cardiac rehabilitation improves your cardiovascular fitness through endurance activities. Don’t worry if you’ve never exercised before. A program will be designed for you, at a pace you’re comfortable with.

Don’t try to do too much too soon, and don’t quit before you have a chance to experience the rewards of improved fitness. You can’t regain in a few days or weeks what you have lost in years of sedentary living. This takes some work, but the effort is well worth it.

Our department has a variety of equipment; including treadmills, bicycles, stair steppers and weights. A program will be designed to an individual’s specific needs, including the level of cardiac monitoring.

After completion of your doctor’s prescribed program, you will move to the maintenance exercise program. If you choose to continue the maintenance program at home, you’ll receive a packet of cardiac rehab activity guidelines.

Health insurance or Medicare will cover the cost of your doctor’s prescribed program, and the maintenance program is reasonably priced. For additional information, please call 951-769-2134.

Cardiac rehabilitation hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with lunch from 12 to 12:30 p.m. daily.