Hi friends!
As some of you may know, I work as a Clinical Exercise Specialist in Cardiac Rehabilitation. When I went into this profession, I had no real reason. My family does not have a strong history of heart disease. I just liked exercise, talking about exercise and counseling others on how to live a healthier life. Over the years, my reasons have changed. One of the big reasons are the people who become my patients that make me enjoy my job.
Today I’m Blogging My Heart Out to raise awareness for this disease that has touched all of us at some point.
When someone has a heart event, often times they feel scared, alone and not sure of what the future holds for them. Cardiac Rehabilitation is medically supervised program to help patients recover quickly and improve their overall physical, mental, and social functioning after an event. Essentially, it’s an exercise, education and support program to help patients learn how to live a healthier life. Research shows that patients who participate in Cardiac Rehab live longer and have a better quality of life than those that don’t.
I’ve seen a wide range of people who have been affected by heart disease whether it’s from Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG), Myocardial Infarction (MI), Stable Angina, Cardiomyopathy, or Valve Replacement/Repair. When I first entered the field 10+ years ago, most of my patients were at least 70 and older. While we still see older patients, we have also begun to see people in their 30s and 40s. One thing that has not changed over the years, is the amount of women who attend Cardiac Rehab after their event.
Heart disease is the number killer of women.
Yet men are still the predominate participant in rehab. Why is that? There are numerous reasons why this might be. Physicians not referring, insurance coverage (or lack of), and being afraid to exercise. Statistics show that under 20% of those eligible ever go to rehab, and women and minorities go less often than white men. We need to promote cardiac rehab for everyone.
So what can you do to help your friends, family and community know that such a resource exists for people with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease? Spread the word about the facts!
- Many physicians are unaware of the known benefits of cardiac rehab. Primary care physicians too often believe their active or older patients won’t benefit.
- Rehab patients not only live longer, but they have a better quality of life.
- Rehab also offers social and psychological benefits no matter what your age.
- Supervised rehab is safe, even for the very old.
Being diagnosed with cardiac disease is scary but the good news is you’re not alone. There are plenty of resources to help modify risk factors to live a healthier life.
For more information about heart disease, please check out the following links:
______________________________________________________________________
More ways to follow Happy Fit Mama
Twitter → @happyfitmama
Facebook → Happy Fit Mama
Instagram → HAPPYFITMAMA
Pinterest → HappyFitMama
You must have an awesome job to help rehab someone’s life like that!
When I was fresh out of nursing school my first job was on the cardiac floor of the local hospital. I was lucky enough to spend the day orienting in the cardiac rehab so that we could help explain to patients what their follow up would be like there.
It is sad that we are seeing so many more young people with heart conditions that we previously saw in older people or drug addicts.
Keep spreading the word
Stacey RunsandEats recently posted..New-to-me section of the AT (long run).
Great reminder! Doing the social media for my company I have been reading more and more info/articles about heart disease, esp in women. It’s really so frightening how high the risks are becoming and at earlier and earlier ages as well – AND that women so often completely overlook their symptoms b/c they’re so caught up in caring for others too.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Beautiful Sunrise for Morning Run
Wonderful reminder and so important. Sounds like you have an amazing job!!! Thank you for posting and for spreading the word!
Laura@ Fit Running Mama recently posted..Earth Balance Snack Review & Giveaway
Great post on awareness Ang! So many reasons why cardio is so important and good for you!
Kat recently posted..Princess Half: My reasons for playing dress up
This was a great post. I kept thinking of my dad, who had quadruple bypass a few years back. He’s worked really hard to take care of himself since then and it makes me happy!
misszippy1 recently posted..Beat the chill
My husband lost his aunt to a massive heart attack. At the time, the doc said that more men survive heart attacks than women. That could account for more men being in rehab.
My 3 year old lost her preschool teacher, 2 years ago this month, to arrhythmia. (link is below)
Jamie @ Rise.Run.Mom.Repeat. recently posted..Heart Disease Awareness Month
It’s true that more women do die from heart attacks because their symptoms are typical and go unnoticed or they wait to long for help. The statistics for men vs women in rehab are actually for those who survived.
I didn’t know that was your job. Cool!
This post and the Go Red for Women campaign definitely hit close to home for me!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Mediterranean Snacks Giveaway
Great awareness post! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Kierston recently posted..#RECIPEFRIDAY: Protein Packed Pesto!
Thank you for what you do! Having a co-working directly impacted by a heart issue and having follow up care in your field has opened all of our eyes!
Thanks Heather!
This is such an important post! I considered blogging about heart disease today as well, but I would have had to do some research… loved learning more about it! Happy Friday!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Friday’s Favorites + Kids Table giveaway
Our cardiac rehabilitation therapist was one of the key members of my daughter’s health care team. What a fulfilling and rewarding job you have!
Thanks for sharing today!
Tamara recently posted..Why every day is heart health month at my house
Both of my parents died at a much too early age from heart disease. I am very aware of the risks and I try to take care of myself and my family. Thank you for this post.
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted..Friday Fitness: Adding Tempo Training Runs To Get Faster. Plus 3 Workouts!
Very few people enjoy what they do. It’s kind of sad. I’m happy you are able to do that. Very important to be well informed. Thanks.
Pavement Runner recently posted..Playlist Thursday and #LoveMusic
Wow, Ireally appreciate your professional perspective. I hope the lowe number of women doing Cardiac Rehab isn’t another example of women not taking care of themselves because they are “too busy” taking care of everyone else. :-/
Coco recently posted..Blogging My Heart Out To Go Red For Women
this hits very close to home. Great post and great reminder to us women that we’re at risk too! Gotta stay healthy!
katie recently posted..Random Ramblings..
I love hearing more about what you do. This is a post that hits close to home. My dad passed away much too young from a heart attack and heart health has been on my mind since a very young age. But still, I think that we – especially women – take it for granted or don’t pay as much attention as we should. Thank you for doing what you do.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Friday Round-Up: Put on your own oxygen mask first
Heart disease and women is on my blogging to-do list. Great post Angela.
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Fitness Friday || I’m Challenging #Cathe To Motivate Me for 90 Days
Scary to think of people in their 30s and 40s there! Great post and job you do!
Jess recently posted..Happy Birthday to Me!