Health and Fitness Program Supports Patients with Chronic Conditions
Ascension Calumet Hospital launched an initiative 20 years ago to help community members manage chronic conditions such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, and hypertension by providing health and fitness opportunities.
The Health & Fitness Program is specifically designed for people with chronic diseases, cardiovascular risk factors, interested in weight management, and as a continuum of care following cardiac rehab, pulmonary rehab or physical therapy.
In addition to Ascension Calumet, this program is also offered at Ascension’s Fox Valley facilities, Ascension Mercy and Ascension St. Elizabeth. Exercise classes are held at the cardiac and pulmonary rehab center, each Tuesday and Thursday, year-round. It is offered to patients who have recently completed rehabilitation programs who want to create a habit of regular exercise with assistance from medical specialists. It is not insurance based, anyone from the community is welcome to participate. Members are charged $4 per session.
When participants first arrive, they get their vital signs taken - such as blood pressure, weight and oxygen levels. The gym is open to all participants to individually work out at their own pace. Medical staff monitor progress and are available to answer health-related questions and provide education.
“This program has made such an impact on people, we’ve had several members who have come to us for more than a decade,” Supervisor of Clinical Operations, Robyn West said. “Staying on top of health and fitness for chronic conditions can decrease hospital admissions and improve someone’s overall quality of life.”
Coordinators estimate 30 people come to the exercise sessions each week. The Health and Fitness program has helped thousands of people over the last two decades.
The Health & Fitness Program is specifically designed for people with chronic diseases, cardiovascular risk factors, interested in weight management, and as a continuum of care following cardiac rehab, pulmonary rehab or physical therapy.
In addition to Ascension Calumet, this program is also offered at Ascension’s Fox Valley facilities, Ascension Mercy and Ascension St. Elizabeth. Exercise classes are held at the cardiac and pulmonary rehab center, each Tuesday and Thursday, year-round. It is offered to patients who have recently completed rehabilitation programs who want to create a habit of regular exercise with assistance from medical specialists. It is not insurance based, anyone from the community is welcome to participate. Members are charged $4 per session.
When participants first arrive, they get their vital signs taken - such as blood pressure, weight and oxygen levels. The gym is open to all participants to individually work out at their own pace. Medical staff monitor progress and are available to answer health-related questions and provide education.
“This program has made such an impact on people, we’ve had several members who have come to us for more than a decade,” Supervisor of Clinical Operations, Robyn West said. “Staying on top of health and fitness for chronic conditions can decrease hospital admissions and improve someone’s overall quality of life.”
Coordinators estimate 30 people come to the exercise sessions each week. The Health and Fitness program has helped thousands of people over the last two decades.
