Some decades ago heart attacks were regarded as something that had no recovery, and would quickly lead to death.

Today, the outlook is far more optimistic, due in part to cardiac rehabilitation departments like the one at Guthrie County Hospital. February is American Heart Month and while it’s important to take care of yourself so as to avoid future heart disease and other health risks, education, exercise, and counseling can make a life-changing difference to those who have had heart problems.

Guthrie County Hospital Cardiac Rehab Manager Christine Drake shares how her program has impacted residents, “I’ve had patients that have been out 20 years that have not come back to me, in fact I had a gentleman one time, he was in his early 70’s when he came to cardiac rehab and his goal was to make it to 80 and he’s made it past 90 and he hasn’t come back to see me and so he’s had no further cardiac events. But he also maintained his exercise and watched his weight and things like that so you have to do those things. If you continue to smoke and to have bad eating habits and not to manage your weight and not to reduce your exercise and reduce your stress, you increase your risk of coming back to a cardiac rehab program or having another heart event.”

Those who qualify for Guthrie County Hospital’s cardiac rehab include those who have recently experienced a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, valve surgery, a balloon angioplasty or coronary stenting, or heart transplant. The program typically runs from 18-36 sessions, and is tailored to people’s physical condition and personal goals. For more information on the program, click here.