About Our Program
Columbus Regional Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program offers a two-phase program that focuses on education and exercise in order to make the lifestyle changes necessary to effectively manage your heart disease.
Since 2015, Columbus Regional Health has partnered with Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation. The Pritikin Program emphasizes exercise, a healthy mindset, and an eating plan focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meat, nonfat dairy, and protein-rich plant foods like legumes or beans. The Pritikin Program is a scientifically-proven approach to reducing your chances of having another heart event.
Phase I
Phase I begins when patients are still in the hospital. During Phase I patients will:
- Increase their understanding of cardiovascular disease
- Learn about individual risk factor modification
Phase II
Phase II is for patients who have been discharged from the hospital and are ready to begin an outpatient exercise program. Phase II is generally between six to 12 weeks, depending on the program. Patients receive comprehensive education and participate in monitored exercise to:
- Increase strength and energy levels to return to daily activities or work
- Learn to modify individual risk factors through education including:
- Diet, cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight, and stress management
- Receive assistance with smoking cessation
- Receive assistance with diabetic education
Maintenance
We offer a maintenance program to continue throughout your lifetime in order to lower your risk of
having another event. During maintenance, patients continue their exercise and risk factors management
programs. Various options are offered to fit your lifestyle and can be scheduled through our Wellness
Center.
Heart Health Tools
In addition to exercises, while at Cardiac Rehab, patients also:
- Watch educational videos about reducing their risk factors for heart disease
- Learn about heart-healthy nutrition
- Attend healthy-cooking demonstrations
- Learn stress-reduction techniques
The Wellness Center
Columbus Regional Health’s Wellness Center is located in Mill Race Center, a community facility for active
adults located in award-winning Mill Race Park. The Wellness Center includes an innovative Fitness
Facility with internationally top-rated, age-friendly cardio and strength training equipment. Our Fitness
Facility accommodates everyone from beginner to advanced level participants for an effective workout on
equipment that is easy to use. Certified fitness instructors will work with members to develop a fitness
plan based on goals and a personal fitness evaluation. Our Fitness Facility includes a beautiful locker room
area that offers showers, restrooms and lockers at no additional cost. For information on how to join or to
schedule a tour, call 812-376-5808.