Fall-Winter 2025 5 “But he gave it his all every single session. He was dripping in sweat and always wanting to do more.” Cardiac rehab participants also learn to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of future heart problems, like heart attacks. “Studies show that people who complete the program statistically have a significantly higher advantage of not having a repeat event,” says Tyler Boudreau, exercise physiologist and supervisor of cardiopulmonary rehab at Riverside. Cardiac rehab is typically offered three times a week for 36 sessions. Additional sessions are available through a private-pay option. The exercise training is medically supervised. “That took away any apprehension I had about really putting effort into it,” Piekarczyk says. “They monitor your heart rate, and if it gets too high or they think you’re working too hard, they’ll come by and say, ‘Hey, knock it down a little bit.’” “It’s a very guided program,” Boudreau adds. “Medical professionals are here to help you at every step.” A life unlimited Piekarczyk hoped cardiac rehab would improve his fitness enough to resume activities like cutting firewood, gardening and playing golf—and it has. In fact, he says, he’s in better shape than he was before his heart attack. He has also returned to his job as a railroad conductor. Piekarczyk is grateful for all the cardiac care he received close to home at Riverside Healthcare, from his open-heart surgery to cardiac rehab. “Their heart program and everything associated with it was top of the line,” he says. “I wanted my life back, and they gave me my life back.” Take charge of your heart health Specialty cardiac care and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation are available in Bourbonnais, Kankakee and Watseka. Find out how we can help you at myrhc.net/ heart.
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