Jorge F. Corzo, M.D.

Riverview Medical Center

 

The idea of being active after a heart episode or a stroke can be daunting. But as an experienced physiatrist I can tell you, for many people, it is possible to be strong and active once again. However, it will require the work of an experienced rehabilitation team and, more importantly, you!

 

Rehabilitation is an important step in your recovery. The level and type of rehabilitation you require will be based on your individual needs, the severity of your illness, other factors such as additional underlying illnesses, and your level of fitness or activity before the episode. This will all be assessed by your physician who will prescribe the appropriate rehabilitation program for you. 

 

If you had a severe episode or you have additional medical concerns, you may require inpatient rehabilitation at an acute rehabilitation center such as Riverview Rehabilitation Center (Red Bank) or Shore Rehabilitation Institute (Brick). Or, your doctor may prescribe a stay in a sub-acute care center such as the Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers (Shrewsbury, Brick, Wall and Ocean Grove). And for those patients who are able to go home after their surgery or treatment, there are outpatient rehabilitation programs, of which Meridian seven Centers (Holmdel, Manalapan, Red Bank, Neptune, Wall, Brick and Point Pleasant) in our hospitals and stand-alone facilities throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties, as well as rehabilitation right in your home provided by Meridian at Home. Essentially, the Meridian Cardiovascular Network provides all levels of rehabilitation, in a variety of settings and locations, so you can find the best program for your needs.

No matter the setting, the benefits of rehabilitation are substantial. The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to help patients reverse their symptoms and maximize cardiac function. Cardiac rehabilitation includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:

• establishing a progressive exercise program to build fitness and functional capacity
• providing educational classes to help adjust to or change the patient's lifestyle and habits, such as:
• smoking cessation classes
• nutrition classes
• offering stress management techniques and techniques to reduce anxiety
• counseling and educating the patient with regards to his/her specific heart condition/disease and the best management approach for that specific condition
• preparing the patient to return to work - equipping him/her to meet the physical and psychological demands of the job

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation program is all about heart.  We devote our efforts to returning our patients to the quality of life they enjoyed before their recent health episode.