On a recent Friday night, Scott D. was happily dancing to uptempo Cajun zydeco music with his wife at a local community center.
It was a remarkable contrast to just about half a year ago, when his heart was so weak he could hardly stand up without using his hands.
The reason behind Scott’s significant transformation?
Hillsboro Medical Center’s cardiac rehabilitation program.
“They somehow managed to make me a more active member of my health care team,” says Scott, who admits that exercise had never really been a big part of his daily routine.
“I drove semi-trucks,” Scott explains. “After 10-12 hours of driving, you can barely walk.”
Once retired, Scott would occasionally join his mother in Silver Sneakers classes, but mostly just to spend more time with her.
“Exercise is not what everyone likes to do,” acknowledges Amber Sanguinetti, Hillsboro Medical Center’s cardiac rehabilitation program Lead Exercise Physiologist. “So, it’s our job to try to make it as relatable to one’s daily life as possible.”
Scott D. zydeco dancing with his wife in January 2023.
Amber knew Scott liked to work on old farm engines and his motor home, so she introduced him to the arm bike. He took to it and eventually came to enjoy walking on the treadmill as well.
“The crowd at the rehab were very encouraging without being pushy,” says Scott. “They treated me like an old friend from the time I got there to the time I left.”
Over time, Scott’s care team helped increase his strength so that he could get back to standing up easily without relying on his hands for support.
“Now I can walk a couple of miles without worrying if I’m going to get home,” explains Scott. “That’s the main thing—it gives me confidence in my abilities.”
Today, Scott enjoys going to his local gym about two to three times a week. He is often accompanied by his wife, who was inspired by seeing his great progress.
“I definitely would do cardiac rehab again, even though hopefully I don’t have to,” notes Scott. “I think my future is more encouraging now.”
Writer: Natasha Lesch
503-6