Southern Oregon Cardiology Directs CHN's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Expert care and providers with heart make advanced services accessible to Gold Beach and surrounding communities

GOLD BEACH, OR - (March 1, 2022) Cardiovascular diseases, disorders of the heart or blood vessels that lead to heart attack, heart failure and other conditions, are the leading cause of death worldwide and claim an estimated 17.9 million lives annually. Lung and respiratory diseases like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), emphysema and others kill thousands and make breathing--and living--painful for millions more. Here in Curry County, coronary heart disease, heart disease, and lung disease rates are especially concerning with mortality at 39.3%, 31.5%, and 26.9% above the state average, respectively.

Cardiac rehabilitation--customized care that's led from the heart

Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program to improve the cardiovascular health of patients with heart conditions. Chief Executive Officer Ginny Williams announced recently that Southern Oregon Cardiology, the region's premier and most well-respected cardiology practice, is now overseeing the program as its medical director. "We are so pleased to provide this invaluable service, with the highest quality care anywhere, right here in Gold Beach," said Williams. "Having skilled care teams and state-of-the-art facilities where it's close and convenient for our community helps people receive care to live longer, healthier lives, and program oversight by the cardiologists of Southern Oregon Cardiology ensure effective, quality care."

Cardiac rehabilitation is customized to help patients recover and prevent future issues. CHN's cardiac rehabilitation is a true team effort, with doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and pharmacists working with patients and their families. Together, patients learn the fundamentals of exercise for heart health and steps to control and reduce stress--a major factor in heart health. They also receive education about lifestyle changes, such as proper nutrition, to help speed recovery. Throughout the program, respiratory therapists customize treatments and partner with patients to help them take ownership of their health and lives.

"It's one thing to survive a heart attack, or receive a difficult diagnosis, but the next steps--what recovery means for you and your family--can be frightening and intimidating," Williams shared. "All too often in smaller communities, rehabilitative care means frequent travel that makes an already difficult time more stressful and even prevent patients from getting the care they need to recover and prevent future problems. With resources here at CHN, we help our neighbors return to the lives they enjoy."

Breath support that saves lives--pulmonary rehabilitation

For those living with lung or breathing issues, pulmonary rehabilitation helps people manage chronic lung problems like asthma and COPD, through education, learning better breathing techniques, and increasing physical activity to get stronger and help reduce shortness of breath. CHN's licensed registered respiratory therapists provide comprehensive evaluations and assessments to customize rehabilitation plans for each patient. The team takes a comprehensive approach to pulmonary care, to help patients live a more productive life with lung disease and will continue to reassess, monitor and adjust treatments until the best possible outcome is achieved.

"More and more people are suffering with COPD and other breathing issues," said Williams, "While we know that we may not be able to reverse or cure some lung conditions, we can definitely help people live more actively, comfortably and happily."

To learn more about outpatient cardiopulmonary services at Curry General Hospital in Gold Beach, call 541-247-3060 or click here.