Cardiac Rehab Available at Straits

Local residents with heart ailments are now able to receive rehabilitation services at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace through a cooperative program with Northern Michigan Regional Hospital.

The program, available for hospital patients or outpatients, began Monday, October 1, and is seeking more eligible people interested in participating. Treadmills, step machines, and other exercise equipment is used to meet specific needs for cardiac patients.

Most are referred by their cardiologist or cardiac surgeon, although patients may also be referred by their primary physician.

Exercise specialists work with patients for two hours each session. Patients exercise three times a week over an eight- to 12-week period. The hospital charges $5 per adult fitness session, which may be covered by insurance.