Cardiac rehabilitation patients donate new equipment to PCH

Putnam County Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Department is now home to a new piece of rehabilitation equipment, a NuStep, thanks to two very generous patients and friends, Charles and Karen Cooper.

Karen Cooper started her journey with PCH Cardiac Rehab in 2005 after having bypass surgery. Karen began her cardiac rehabilitation with Putnam County Hospital and continues to come three times a week.

Her husband, Charles, received short-term care from PCH Cardiac Rehab in 2007.

With his wife Karen testing out the NuStep machine, Greencastle resident Charlie Cooper presents a check for the cost of the rehabilitation equipment to Putnam County Hospital Dennis Weatherford. The recent presentation from the Coopers included the PCH Cardiac Rehabilitation Department staff (from left) co-managers and RNs Kammie Meek and Denise Stepro, RN Erica Hill, SN Erin Caine and ES Jennifer Dobson.

Karen enjoyed using the current NuStep at PCH so much that she and Charles discussed buying one for their home. But after discussing more, they decided that providing the PCH Cardiac Rehab with another NuStep would benefit everyone receives treatment.

The NuStep seems to be a favorite to many of the patient in the Cardiac Rehab department so Karen and Charles are glad the additional equipment will benefit others as well.

The NuStep is a seated stepper that provides a low-impact, total body workout by stimulating the natural walking motion while also providing upper body exercise.

The NuStep is a considered a safe mode of exercise for the geriatric population as well those who are deconditioned by disability or impairment and who would otherwise be inhibited to exercise.

The reciprocal motion of the NuStep provides total body training, including upper and lower limb strengthening, increased range of motion, and cardiovascular training. As a result, patients are benefited with improved strength, flexibility, balance and overall functional mobility, including ambulation.

The PCH Cardiac Rehabilitation Department is excited to have the NuStep available to its patients.

"It is such a blessing to our rapidly growing department to have this new piece of exercise equipment for our patients to use," RN Erica Hill, said. "The NuStep is definitely a favorite among our patients."

PCH offers cardiac rehabilitation to members of the community and surrounding areas. Cardiac rehab is a program for people with heart disease designed to reduce future heart risks. Cardiac rehab can reduce the risk and subsequent heart attacks.

Putnam County Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation services consist of nutritional counseling, which includes management of lipid levels, hypertension, weight and diabetes; smoking cessation; psychosocial interventions; physical activity counseling; and exercise training.

Putnam County Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and Tuesday 7-11 a.m.

For more information about PCH Cardiac Rehab services, persons may call 655-2580.