Rehabilitation Services

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

The Cardiopulmonary Department at Effingham Health System adheres to guidelines for comprehensive exercise and educational programs set forth by the American Heart Association, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine and Medicare.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

The continuum of care for heart attack and stroke patients may begin with an emergency visit to the Chest Pain Center. For many, following angioplasty or other procedures, a disciplined and supervised exercise program helps to regain cardiac capability. Many patients graduate to wellness programs after progressing through rehabilitation.

The outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Center offers a progressive exercise program, written and conducted with physician supervision. Those participating in the program can expect to have their blood pressure monitored before and after exercise and as needed based on their condition. Additionally, we offer oxygen saturation monitoring as well as monitoring through radial telemetry, with a central monitoring station displaying the patient's ECG waveforms and uses programmable alarms to indicate the presence of arrhythmia. In the event a medical emergency arises, the rehabilitation program has a direct alarm to the Effingham Emergency Department and staff members have certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation equipment includes treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, recumbent stepper, free weights and supportive weight equipment.

One of the most important components of the program includes education and strategies for effective self-care. Our team of experienced professionals also provides patients with important information on the disease process, principles of exercise, risk factors, anatomy and physiology of the heart, stress reduction, dietary counseling and medications. Finally, the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program utilizes the Nationwide Better Health Promotion Program or NBH/Intervent.

InterventNBH/Intervent offers patients an interactive learning experience and the skills vital to making the right choices every day. The Program offers:

  • Health Risk Assessment
  • Nutrition
  • Weight Management
  • Stress Management
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Exercise
  • Coaching Mentor

The outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Center is available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6AM to 3PM, you may contact us at 912-754-0423.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Respiratory Therapy

The Effingham Health System Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Respiratory Therapy program was started in 1993 for patients with chronic respiratory problems. Serving patients in both our in and outpatient programs, as well in our Skilled Nursing Center, pulmonary and respiratory professionals use diagnostic testing, therapeutics, monitoring and pulmonary rehabilitation to meet a wide variety of patient needs.

During therapy, patients learn about medications, breathing exercises and how to conserve their energy while engaging in everyday tasks that all too often are taken for granted. While in the program, patients also learn exercises that help them restore the highest possible functional capacity.

Whether a pneumonia patient in the hospital, a Skilled Nursing Center resident with emphysema or an outpatient seeking help with asthma, the cardiopulmonary team is equipped with the professional expertise to help.

Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation hours are on Monday afternoons and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7AM to 6PM