Val Verde RMC | Keeping Well | Spring/Primavera 2018

A FTER A HEART ATTACK or a heart procedure, many people experience a kind of wake-up call. “They start looking at what they can do to live healthier and longer lives,” says Elaine Trevino, director for business development at Val Verde Regional Medical Center (VVRMC). If you’re looking to enhance your recovery from a heart procedure and get healthier, look into cardiac rehabilitation at VVRMC. Designed for people with cardiac issues, cardiac rehab has many benefits. For instance, it can help you get active after a heart event, like a heart attack. And it may help you avoid future heart problems and hospital stays. In February, VVRMC began offering cardiac rehab for people in Del Rio and surrounding communities. “The convenience of being able to offer rehab here at home was one of our main focuses,” Trevino says. Conditions that may qualify you for cardiac rehab include: ■ Heart attack ■ Heart valve surgery ■ Angioplasty ■ Heart failure Take your heart to rehab CARDIAC REHAB COMES TO VVRMC ■ Bypass surgery ■ Coronary stent placement ■ Stable angina ■ Peripheral arterial disease GET STRONGER, GET HEALTHIER Cardiac rehab is provided by a team of experts in nutrition, exercise and cardiology. A cardiologist leads the team that creates a patient plan to meet each person’s needs. For example, they may help you with: ■ Exercise to get stronger. Exercise training on a treadmill or recumbent bike can boost your fitness and your spirits. The exercise is supervised and monitored for safety. Rehab can also help you to be active at home. ■ Heart-healthy changes. Learn to make healthy food choices and other lifestyle changes. Your family can join in so they can learn too. ■ Managing stress. Being around other people who are going through a similar experience may also help you feel supported. Cardiac rehab takes place at the Institute for Therapeutic Medicine at VVRMC. Medicare and most insurances typically cover up to 36 rehab sessions. Talk to your doctor to find out if cardiac rehab is right for you. Community members enjoyed some fitness activities for Heart Health Month. Elaine Trevino, front center, taught a Sit to Fit class that showed how you CAN get a workout without having to stand. Los miembros de la comunidad disfrutaron de algunas actividades de acondicionamiento físico por el Mes de la Salud del Corazón. Elaine Trevino, adelante en el centro, dio una clase Sit to Fit que mostró cómo se PUEDE hacer una sesión de ejercicios sin tener que estar de pie. VVRMC employees proudly wore red to bring attention to women’s heart health. Los empleados de VVRMC con orgullo se vistieron de rojo para llamar la atención sobre la salud del corazón de las mujeres. Melanie Martinez, RN, now offers cardiac rehab services. Melanie Martinez, RN, ahora ofrece servicios de rehabilitación cardíaca. Call 830-400-0307 for more information. Heart/Corazón 8 Keeping Well/Mantenerse Sano