STANDING ROOM ONLY TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF HEART HEALTH IN DODGEVILLE

More than 80 people turned out last Wednesday dressed in their blue cardiopulmonary t-shirts to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cardiac rehab unit at Upland Hills Health. Current and former patients and their family members spilled out of the room where they had gathered to watch the 20-minute video showcasing the relationships that have been built through cardiac and pulmonary rehab over the years.

“It was great to see such a turnout. This celebration event meant a lot to us, and even more to all the people we’ve gotten to work with over the years,” explained Becky Tank, R.N., co-manager of the cardiopulmonary rehab department. “Twenty years ago, we started out with one treadmill and 7 patients in that first month. Now we see 25-40 patients per day which includes all phases of cardiopulmonary rehab.”

The group gathered outside and formed a giant heart in the parking lot as a visual marker of the impact cardiac and pulmonary rehab has had on their lives.

More than 1,700 patients have been directly impacted by cardiac or pulmonary rehab services at Upland Hills Health over the last 20 years. The program has grown exponentially over that time as well to include health maintenance exercise programs, Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) Therapy, the unique Cancer Empowerment Program: Fit to Fight, as well as Heart Building 101 educational programs, and a new program specifically for those with Peripheral Artery Disease.