RUMFORD – Sharon Gates, R.N., was recently named clinical coordinator for Rumford Hospital’s LifeStrides Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab program.

Gates has been with the program for more than four years. She has experience in acute care, industrial and community nursing and has been with Rumford Hospital for 28 years. She is a graduate of Central Maine Community College.

The Rumford Hospital’s cardiac rehab is a phase-two program. The first phase of education and rehabilitation comes in the hospital after clients have experienced a cardiac event or been diagnosed with a heart problem. The second phase teaches exercise strategies, relaxation techniques and heart healthy nutrition. Patients are monitored during exercise to assure they are doing just the right amount to both be safe and increase their stamina. They learn how to prevent progression of their disease and safe use of medications.

Gates works in the program with Dan Elliot, a recent graduate of the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing, who has been working in the Cardiac Rehab program for a year. Elliot has a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and taught at Hurricane Island Outward Bound for 20 years.