Ashtabula County Medical Center | ACMC Pulse | Winter 2019

ACMC Pulse  • acmchealth.org 11 CHECK IT OUT! For more information about how cardiopulmonary reha- bilitation can help you, call 440-997-6649 . renovation of the facility and for new equipment. “What a wonderful department for patients to continue their recovery from heart problems or chronic lung problems,” said ACMC Volunteer Auxiliary Supervisor Sandy Sposito, RN. “The staff are the true heroes of this facility. They know each patient and know when they have lifestyle changes that may affect their health. They watch over them like family.” The renovations and equipment placement were completed by ACMC’s engineering department. The center now features state- of-the-art exercise equipment and more stations of the popular equipment. It also includes spaces for family members to relax and interact with their loved ones, increasing the family-like atmosphere for patients. Louis Notarianni, who has been using the cardiac equipment for the past 10 years, is grateful for the new equipment. At age 91, he said he doesn’t have the stamina to do a lot of activities, but he works out at ACMC twice a week for more than an hour each time. “The new equipment is wonderful. If someone is using a piece of equipment you need, there is another sitting right next to it,” Notarianni said. “What I really enjoy is the camaraderie we share. We develop friendships that go beyond seeing each other while we are here. I think about these guys, especially if one of us misses. We always laugh and have a good time. Some of them have become very dear friends.” Notarianni said he also appreciates the staff for their professionalism and friendship. “I cannot say enough good things about them. ACMC has provided me with a second family and welcomes new people into that family all the time.” In addition to the new equipment, Mosier and Yendriga said relocating the main desk has made it easier to see patients and interact with them and family members. The new station allows complete visibility of all patients at all times. This creates a comprehensive area totally revolving around patient care. “Some of the equipment is proving to be quite popular,” Yendriga said. “The new rower gives patients a total body workout, and they love the new treadmills.” Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and Ashtabula County ranks higher than the national and state average for heart- related deaths. Having access to a local rehabilitation facility means patients can continue their recovery under the watchful eye of trained caregivers. Support for today and tomorrow Sposito said the renovations could not have been made without the generous support of ACMC caregivers and community members. The majority of the funds were raised through sales in the ACMC Gift Shop and the annual Rummage Sale. Other projects funded by the ACMC Volunteer Auxiliary include the purchase of cardiac heart monitors, fetal baby warmers and bladder scanners. “We want to provide funds for projects that do the most good for the largest number of patients,” Sposito said. “When we saw the opportunity to positively affect 150-plus patients a month in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center, we knew this was a project that would not only be worthwhile now, but also improve patient care for many years to come.” The ACMC Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center is not limited to ACMC patients only. Anyone who has heart problems can use its cardiac program. Likewise, anyone who has a chronic lung disease or lung cancer can enroll in the pulmonary rehabilitation program. Patients will need a referral from a physician and to take several tests to establish health benchmarks. Louis Notarianni works out on one of the new hand pedal rehabilitation machines recently installed at ACMC.