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- $Unique_ID{BRK00055}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs}
- $Subject{heart attack rehabilitation cardiac exercise Circulatory System
- program programs diet home hospital-based attacks rehabilitations Home-based}
- $Volume{G-3}
- $Log{
- Exercise Strengthens the Heart*0003202.scf
- Exercise Has Overall Benefits*0003209.scf}
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- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
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- QUESTION: I had a heart attack recently. Thanks to a lot of good care, I
- pulled through nicely. I am now determined to keep things in working order
- and want to join a cardiac rehabilitation program. Is a home-based
- rehabilitation program as good as going to the hospital every day for
- rehabilitation?
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- ANSWER: It can be, but a lot depends on your condition and how well you stick
- with the program. Cardiac rehabilitation programs have grown in popularity in
- the last few years because we have learned they can help people recuperate
- from a heart attack and avoid future ones. Many hospitals and health centers
- have set up cardiac rehabilitation centers where patients come for physical
- therapy, exercise, and education.
- But for various reasons, only 15% of eligible cardiac patients use these
- hospital-based programs. A home-based program, where you diet and exercise at
- home, is more convenient and cheaper. And by involving the whole family, it
- can reduce their risk of heart attack as well.
- The drawback to a home-based program is that you're on your own for a
- great deal. Although your physician and other health professionals will give
- you instructions about exercise, diet, and monitoring your heart, they will
- not be able to follow you as closely as with a hospital-based program.
- Another drawback is that you won't have the camaraderie that other heart
- patients in rehabilitation can provide. The combination of reduced follow-up
- and camaraderie can mean poor compliance for some home-based patients.
- Your physician will help you decide whether a home-based program is right
- for you. Some people need the supervision that a hospital-based system
- provides to obtain all of the benefits that these important programs offer.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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