After spending 45 years as a registered nurse in the emergency department, Ed Haley was well-versed in assessing and caring for patients. But after experiencing a cardiac episode, Ed found himself in the unfamiliar position of having to learn how to care for himself.
Initially unfamiliar with cardiac rehabilitation, Ed’s introduction to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center’s cardiac rehab program marked a turning point. The program didn’t just restore his physical health — it transformed his outlook and connected him to a supportive community.
Ed discovered that he could easily relate to other heart patients at the center and found comfort in knowing he was not the only one who had experienced a cardiac episode. “We encouraged one another to be patient and take our time with the workout,” Ed shares. “We laughed a lot more and our sessions became a great stress reliever.”
The impact of cardiac rehab goes beyond exercise. According to the American Heart Association, patients who complete programs like this see up to a 35% reduction in mortality and a 20% lower risk of experiencing another heart event. Additional benefits include improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, greater strength and stamina and enhanced overall quality of life.
Having experienced the program's physical and mental benefits firsthand, Ed now serves as an acute care RN at the cardiac rehab gym at Providence Holy Cross, using his patient experience to comfort those he supports. “When patients learn that we share a common bond, they open up more about their procedure and their fears,” Ed says. To learn more about the cardiac rehab program at Providence Holy Cross, visit Cardiac Rehab | Mission Hills | CA | Providence.
