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Cardiac Rehab Program Helps Patient Through the Decades
Trips to the hospital certainly
have been few and
far between for Charles
Bonsangue. For a man identified
with risks for heart disease more
than 20 years ago, this is an important
accomplishment. He attributes
much of his healthy living to the cardiac
rehabilitation program at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center.
Two decades ago, results from
Charles' physicals seemed to get
worse each year, and his stress test
showed he was at greater risk for
heart disease. With weight gain
and more than 35 years of smoking
behind him, he was determined
to make some changes.
"The cardiac rehab program at
Jersey Shore helped me find other
rewards in life," says Charles. "The
facility was small back then — just a
few rooms — but they already were
educating the public about prevention
and had created a program to
reduce the risk factors. They got me
on an exercise regimen, helped me
to stop smoking, and helped me
get on the right diet, which I have
worked at for years."
John Clemente, M.D., Charles' current
cardiologist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, points out that cardiac
rehab is not just for patients who have
had a heart attack. "Cardiac rehabilitation
often can improve functional capacity,
reduce symptoms, and create a sense
of well-being for patients. The program
includes education and individualized
training that is constantly monitored."
"My heart really has held up," says
Charles. "I haven't been on medication
or required surgery, but I just got referred
back into the program in order to
strengthen a weak heart muscle. The
program is incredible now. There's a
huge facility with lots of staff and all
kinds of equipment."
For three months, Charles came to
Jersey Shore three times a week. He was
put on a routine with exercise machines
and closely monitored by a team of
nurses, therapists, and physicians.
"I don't think I look 80 and I definitely
don't feel it," Charles says. "My
advice for people is to follow an exercise
regimen and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
They don't have to be a statistic, and they
should remember they have one of the
best facilities right under their nose. Jersey
Shore cares about this community, and
they are making a difference with prevention,
not just with performing the most
challenging surgeries."
 – Ryan Younger
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