Cardiac Rehabilitation at OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center is designed for anyone with a heart problem, especially anyone who has had a heart attack or heart surgery, or who is at high risk for a heart attack. The program is designed to help you reach and maintain optimal physical and psychological capacity. You can cut your risk of heart attack and increase your quality of life by participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

The program has three phases. Depending on your situation, you may start in either Phase I or II.

Phase I
This program is designed for patients in the hospital. An individualized program, consisting of exercise and education, is planned. Employees from physical therapy will lead you through a daily exercise routine to help maintain muscular strength without overworking your heart.

Educational sessions for the patient and family are offered by our pharmacist, dietitian and cardiac rehabilitation nurse. Topics discussed include anatomy, diet, medication and risk factor reduction.

Phase II
This part of the program is for heart patients once they are out of the hospital. Exercise sessions are held three times each week for up to 12 weeks. Each patient is monitored closely and wears a portable telemetry monitor, which shows the heart's response to exercise. The exercises are designed to alternate between different muscle groups while continually exercising your heart.

Sessions last approximately one hour and are held in an informal atmosphere. Educational classes are offered to help you reduce your risk for heart problems and to reinforce previous learning.

Equipment used for the program has been carefully chosen, and was funded in part by generous community donations through the OSF Foundation Council. Included are rowing machines, wall weights, treadmill, bench steps, Aerdyne bicycle and arm ergometer.

Phase III
This program is open to graduates of the Phase II program. You are responsible for monitoring your exercise and choosing the type of exercise you will do. There are many advantages to the Phase III program; you may continue to use the equipment you are familiar with; you may continue to exercise with a group of people you have met; and you can be a support to Phase II people during their recovery.

Fees
Charges vary depending upon which phase you are enrolled. Most insurance carriers provide coverage for Phase I and II. Our charges are covered by Medicare, Part B. If you have any questions, please call.

How To Start
Patients are enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation by referral from their doctor. For Phase II, a low level stress test may be required to determine your individual exercise prescription. Another stress test may be scheduled when you complete Phase II to determine your work capacity.

Strength Training and Endurance Program (STEP)
Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase III
The Strength Training and Endurance Program at the OSF Saint James Center for Physical Rehabilitation consists of progressive resistive exercises similar to Nautilus and cardiovascular exercises. This equipment provides strengthening and conditioning to the major trunk, upper and lower extremity muscle groups. Exercise bicycles, treadmills, stair machines, a rower and a skier provide the stimulus for cardiovascular training. All participants are carefully and individually instructed on each piece of equipment. An appropriate exercise program is designed for each participant according to diagnosis, precautions, restrictions and goals.

The goal of the program is to establish a pain-free strengthening program that is appropriate for an individual's condition or injury. Each member will be required a one-on-one consultation for education, instruction, goal development and design of a specific exercise program. Because proper techniques and safety are of ultimate importance, a staff member will always be present to monitor proper technique, provide exercise advice, and consultation during the available STEP hours.

STEP is available to patients currently receiving other rehabilitation services as well as the general public.

Membership Rates

Monthly-	$25 first membership, $15 each additional family member
Quarterly-	$60 first membership, $30 each additional family member
Yearly-	$210 first membership, $100 each additional family member

Individuals with significant medical history may be required to receive a physician's permission and diagnostic exercise test prior to participation.

STEP may be right for you if you:

1. are deconditioned after an injury
2. have local or generalized muscle weakness
3. exhibit musculoskeletal problems related to muscular imbalance
4. are interested in increasing overall strength, endurance and fitness levels

Present STEP Club Membership Hours
Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to noon; closed Sundays.

STEP PHILOSOPHY
The purpose of the Strength Training and Endurance Program (STEP) is to provide a supervised setting for exercise. Weight training, cardiovascular exercise and mat exercises are available. Each individual will be at a different stage of rehabilitation; some may be in therapy while others may be club members.

Opportunity for socialization is available, however, the focus is on exercise. The philosophy of the Strength Training and Endurance Program is to promote a positive, healthy environment for working out, with the result being increased strength and endurance of the body.

Discussion revolving around pain while in STEP is highly discouraged. It is well recognized that pain can be frustrating and produce anger. Environments designed to promote healthy discussion of pain issues are available upon request. Your cooperation in this matter will benefit the entire group.

PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
In keeping with the overall program philosophy of emphasis on safety, we want to make individuals aware of the guidelines for entrance into STEP membership. These guidelines are based upon the latest recommendations by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The ACSM is the body of medical professionals and physicians who oversee the development of standards by which safe exercise and exercise testing is performed.

1. Individuals who wish to join the program who are males over 40 years old, females over 50 years old, or individuals demonstrating two or more cardiac risk factors, must have a physician's clearance and may be required to undergo a stress test to assess safe exercise limits if the individual has not completed a stress test within the past year.
2. Individuals with known cardiac or pulmonary disease must have a physician's clearance to participate in the STEP program and are required to have undergone a stress test within the past year.

If you are interested in club membership and think that you fall into one of these two categories, contact OSF Saint James Center for Physical Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at 815-844-3892.

Your safe and successful participation in a healthy exercise program is our goal.