Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1470100
8 | Health Matters: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Tanner also encourages people to walk outside of the facility. "The goal is to get them strong enough so they can feel confident while going on walks, hikes, bike rides or other outdoor activities." Hultgren's determination lifted the spirits of everyone at the cardiac rehab facility. And yet he says the other patients—including a 95-year- old who works out regularly—inspired him. "They all have their unique story, and we had wonderful interactions," he says. WHAT HAPPENS AT CARDIAC REHAB? Evaluation: A "medical clearance form/approval to begin or resume medically supervised exercise" must be signed by the patient's physician. During the first visit, Young reviews the medical history, lifestyle habits and likes and dislikes in an hour-plus-long evaluation. Monitoring: Having a team of experienced cardiac rehab caregivers is very important. They monitor each patient's heart rate and blood pressure before, during and after exercising to determine what they can tolerate. When Phil Wise first came to the rehab facility in 2009, he'd just had a double-bypass surgical procedure. One day when he began exercising, the monitoring equipment showed something wrong, and the staff stopped him right away. "Scar tissue had caused some blockage," says Wise, who had to undergo another surgery. Individualized exercise program: Young designs a fitness program that starts with simple exercises and progresses as the person's tolerance increases. His classes, which include stretching, machine work and weight lifting, are popular. "I start out on the treadmill, then go to the elliptical machine and then do weights," says Wise, who is 85 and has exercised his whole life. Support: "They are neat people," Wise says of Young and his team, adding that he's made a lot of friends there. "Our patients truly care about each other," says Young. "It is all about having a strong support system, people who will hold you accountable, care about you and motivate you to make healthy lifestyle changes. They are like a big family." Call 818-953-4494 for more information. Hultgren with Wesley, Rochelle and Sheri.