TARBORO —
Vidant Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro added Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation to their scope of services last year, and the program has seen significant improvement in the health of their patients. One of the hard-working, determined patients, Linda Draughn, will celebrate her “new birthday” this July after undergoing a heart transplant one year ago.
The Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Vidant Edgecombe includes supervised exercise classes three times per week, education on how to better manage pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and control cardiovascular risk factors, strategies for improving breathing techniques, nutrition counseling, and stress management. The program was designed to improve the health and quality of life for patients who have heart and lung disease.
Draughn joined the program initially because it was recommended by her doctor. “I really felt like I would benefit from it (the program),” said Draughn. “I’m really excited this program is now offered in Tarboro. I’ve known Susan Myrick (manager of the program) for a long time, and the rest of the staff there is very friendly. It’s really very convenient for me to have this in Tarboro.”
How does the program work? A team of specialists in pulmonary medicine, cardiovascular diseases, and other areas review the patient’s medical history, along with dietary, psychological and lifestyle habits to determine the most effective and tailored approach for each individual patient. The program can help increase activity levels and help perform everyday activities with fewer symptoms.
Not only does Draughn feel good about her progress with rehab; the team that works with her at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital weekly is passionate about helping her achieve her goals. When she arrives for her scheduled appointments, she works with an entire team of specialists focused entirely on her well-being. That team includes a Medical Director, Registered Nurse (RN), Respiratory Care Practitioner, and an Exercise Physiologist, all of which are licensed and certified in the state of NC. Her specific program consists of cardiac-monitored exercise, nutrition counseling, and education on risk factors to prevent future cardiac events. She has been in the program since May 2012, and has already increased her endurance 130%. The team anticipates her progress will continue, given her dedication and commitment to the program and her health.
Candidates for the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program include people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and any other chronic lung disease which may cause shortness of breath and fatigue. Candidates for the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program include people who have congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chest pain, or those with a history of heart attack or heart surgery.
“I am very excited about the success of our program,” said Susan Myrick, RN, Director of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehab program. “There is nothing more rewarding than experiencing first-hand the positive changes that can transpire during the rehabilitation process.”
The program requires a doctor’s evaluation and referral to enroll. To learn more, call 641-8668.
Local News
Related Photos
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Edgecombe County resident, Linda Draughn, right goes through rehab with July after undergoing a heart transplant one year ago. Photo/Submitted
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