Regional West's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Celebrates 1,000 Cardiac Maintenance Session Milestones

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Regional West's cardiac rehabilitation team is proudly celebrating two participants who have completed 1,000 cardiac maintenance sessions. 

Dan Marshall and Charlene Braddock have been doing cardiac maintenance sessions for 10 and 12 years, respectively. The cardiac rehab program, which helps patients with heart or lung disease recover following a diagnosis or surgery, includes medically supervised exercise, risk factor management, and education tailored to the individual. To be eligible for cardiac maintenance sessions, patients must safely perform prescribed therapeutic activities and demonstrate an understanding of physical limitations and symptom management. Braddock joined following double bypass surgery in 2014, and Marshall enrolled after undergoing a quadruple bypass in 2016. 

The initial cardiac rehab program following a heart event is just 12 weeks, but participants can continue to do maintenance sessions for as long as they wish for a membership fee. Braddock credits the program with keeping her active. 

"I'm not a person who would go to a gym and work out, but this has been perfect for me. The price is right, and I enjoy the people." 

Marshall added that the program has allowed him to make connections, both new and old. 

"Since I’ve been here, I’ve become part of a group of really good people. I’ve made new friends and connected with friends I haven’t talked to since high school,” he said. 

"We've had many patients in our maintenance program for decades. Charlene and Dan have diligently participated and shown they are serious about prioritizing their cardiopulmonary health and overall wellness," said Sheree Verbeck, RN, BSN, a nurse in Regional West's cardiac rehab program. 

" This is an incredible milestone for Charlene and Dan that demonstrates their dedication and determination," added Sean McCracken, director of Cardiopulmonary Services. "One thousand visits with our cardiac and pulmonary rehab maintenance program is a tremendous achievement and should be recognized and celebrated." 

Regional West's cardiac rehabilitation program is nationally certified by The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and goes through a rigorous process to meet and exceed the essential standards of care for cardiac rehab patients. The registered nurses, respiratory therapists, registered dietitians, registered pharmacists, physicians, and cardiologists take great care in advancing patients’ physical fitness in a controlled, safe environment, as well as encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle. 

To see if you are a candidate for the program, speak with your primary care physician or provider or call Regional West's Rehab Center at 308-630-1355.

About Regional West

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, the only advanced trauma hospital in Nebraska west of North Platte. Since 1924, Regional West has served the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming through innovative healthcare services. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West offers an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics.