Heart rehab program marks anniversary
PARIS – Nearly 200 people gathered Thursday night to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the Vital Connections program.
This program helps survivors of heart attacks work to achieve healthier lifestyles and overcome what has been a life altering event.
It was formed by David Kumaki, a physician at Stephens Memorial Hospital, Tim Ingram, who is now director of Cardio Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Lori Cummings, a registered nurse, and Kelly Townsend, an exercise specialist.
“We saw the need here,” Ingram said. “Eight years ago the nearest program was in Portland and it was just too far for people to travel.
“We started the program in the basement of the hospital with equipment we brought from home,” he said.
Now the program is run from the Ripley Medical Building and has five treadmills, four stationary bicycles, a Nordic track and a full line of weight conditioning equipment.
Townsend said that in 1995, the program had 10 people referred to it and seven signed up.
Participation has grown over the years. In 2003, 133 people were referred and 60 participated.
The Phase II portion of the program consists of three visits to the program per week for six weeks. Participants will wear electronic monitors while they exercise, most often on the treadmill, bicycle, stair climber and a device that helps build arm strength.
After the six weeks, participants are invited to remain in the program as long as they desire. They can exercise, monitor-free. This part of the program is referred to as Phase III and now has 35 participants.
“I come here to exercise three times a week. That’s why I keep going,” said 80-year-old Al Dignan of Paris.
He said his first heart attack required stints to keep an artery open. He later had another attack that required five bypasses.
“We want our people to get back to being healthy, build strength and be more comfortable doing things after their event,” Townsend said.
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