HUNTINGDON — Ralph and Josie Park, of Mount Union, have committed $50,000 toward J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital’s new Phase III Cardiac Rehab program, NEXT STEP.
NEXT STEP is a self-monitored exercise and risk management program for those who have completed the outpatient Phase II cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation program.
“NEXT STEP is designed to assist the patient in making their exercise workout habitual while receiving guidance to build a home program,” said Craig Cloud, director of J. C. Blair’s Cardiopulmonary Services. “Phase III programs help build the cardiac and pulmonary patients’ confidence for continued health lifestyle changes as well.”
For overall and heart health, the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. That breaks down to 30 minutes, five days a week. Physical fitness includes physical exercise and physical activity.
The program is under the direction of certified nurse practitioner Denise Sheffield, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation service leader. According to Sheffield, “It is J.C. Blair’s aim that our NEXT STEP program will guide patients in taking their next step toward achieving personal fitness goals.”
NEXT STEP is located at J.C. Blair’s Therapy & Wellness Center, on J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital’s campus near the helipad, and participants arrange their one-hour, two-day-a-week workout sessions with certified wellness coach Andrea Teeters, who is also a certified group exercise instructor.
“It is our hope that they feel confident enough to perform their other three days of structured exercise in a gym near their home or use home equipment,” said Teeters.
About their gift, Ralph Park said, “Josie and I believe that we must each take personal responsibility to obtain and maintain optimal health. J.C. Blair’s program will assist those who may have already had a health-related event in regaining their best health, and that is a good fit for our personal beliefs. We are happy that we can help with the launch of this fitness program.”
Park is owner of SNAP Fitness in Mt. Union.
For more information about the Phase III NEXT STEP program, contact Teeters at (814) 643-0791 or visit www.jcblair.org.
