Robert Sharum is well on his way to becoming a healthier man as the first graduate of the cardiac rehabilitation program at BaylorMedicalCenter at Garland.A heart attack in October 2007 brought Mr. Sharum to Baylor Garland where he had a cardiac stent procedure to help repair damage to his heart. His cardiologist L. K. Routh, M.D., referred him to the 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program, which Mr. Sharum began in November.Studies show that patients who participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program have a reduced risk of new cardiovascular complications. A Nov. 14, 2007 article in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) describes a quality cardiac rehab program as one with medically supervised exercise, nutritional counseling and education and support. The Baylor Garland program begins with a one-time interview and education class, where the patient learns about managing cardiovascular risk factors, a heart healthy diet, exercise and stress management. Patients exercise three times a week in a supervised group exercise setting. “Mr. Sharum was a trooper and attended the 8 a.m. class each Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 36 weeks,” says Sarah Haggard, exercise physiologist. During class, Mr. Sharum walked on the treadmill, rode the stationary bicycle and used the NuStep machine, a reclined stepping machine. Lifting weights helped to increase his range of motion and muscle tone. During the 12-week course, Mr. Sharum more than doubled the length of time he could spend doing aerobic exercise and progressed from two-pound hand weights to seven-pound weights. He plans to continue his workouts at home with his stationary bicycle, treadmill and weights.The Baylor Garland cardiac rehabilitation, located on the second floor of the Heart and VascularNoninvasiveCenter, has three staff members: Lona Bryant, R.N., supervisor; Sherri Myers, R.N.; and Sarah Haggard, an exercise physiologist. The exercise sessions take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. To learn more about the program, call the cardiac rehab team at (972) 485-2336.
BaylorMedicalCenter at Garland, located in the heart of the Garland community, continues to grow and to reflect the medical needs of its residents. The hospital offers advanced medical technology in heart and vascular care, neurosurgery, breast health, pain management, wound services, women’s services, neonatal intensive care, digestive disease, medical imaging, senior health care, and physical medicine and rehabilitation on its smoke-free campus. Baylor Garland serves the communities of Garland, Wylie, Richardson, Rowlett, Rockwall, Sachse, Mesquite and Murphy. For fiscal year 2007, Baylor Health Care System will report $390 million in community benefits to the Department of State Health Services. For more information, visit www.baylorhealth.com.
