Orange City Area Health System has expanded its cardiac rehabilitation services through a program combining supervised exercise with nutrition, stress management, and other lifestyle education.
OCAHS says it is now the third hospital in Iowa, and the only hospital in the tri-state region, to offer Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation.
The 12-week program is intended to support eligible patients recovering from certain heart conditions and procedures.
Support Beyond Supervised Exercise
Participants receive individualized exercise under the supervision of the OCAHS Cardiac Rehab team. The program also includes nutrition education, cooking classes, and workshops focused on developing a healthy mindset.
“Pritikin allows us to support patients beyond the exercise component of cardiac rehabilitation,” said Makayla Davidson, Director of Ancillary Services at Orange City Area Health System. “Patients will learn how nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other everyday choices can contribute to their heart health. Our goal is to give them tools they can continue using long after completing the program.”
The program centers on three areas of lifestyle change: safe and effective exercise, heart-healthy nutrition, and a healthy mindset. Along with exercising, patients learn how to prepare heart-healthy meals, manage stress, establish achievable goals and make informed lifestyle choices.
Patients will participate in the program in a newly remodeled cardiac rehabilitation space. OCAHS says the updated area features a modern design and expansive windows providing additional natural light.
“We recognized a need in our community for a more comprehensive approach to cardiac recovery, and Pritikin gives eligible patients access to that level of support close to home,” said OCAHS CEO Chris Sietstra. “Many teams contributed to making intensive cardiac rehabilitation a reality for our patients and our community. I am proud of the way our staff consistently collaborate to expand access and provide meaningful support to the communities we serve.”
Eligibility and Referrals
Patients may qualify for intensive cardiac rehabilitation following a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty or stenting, stable angina, heart-valve repair or replacement, a heart or heart-lung transplant, or certain cases of chronic heart failure.
Participation requires a referral from a qualifying healthcare provider. Insurance coverage may vary by patient and plan.
The Pritikin Program has been taught for 50 years and is supported by decades of peer-reviewed research. Its intensive cardiac rehabilitation program received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2010.
