Joyce Fugate of Hobart and Dennis Hollister of Wheeler understand the important benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, and are reaping “royalties” in education and regular exercise to keep their hearts in good rhythm. Both patients were honored this year as the “King and Queen” of St. Mary Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation department. The annual celebration is a way to honor patients who have earned life-sustaining benefits of cardiac rehabilitation.
“Our Cardiac Rehabilitation staff selected two members of the Phase 3 program as King and Queen of Hearts,” said Cathy Cofer-Hines, RN, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation nurse at St. Mary Medical Center. “This year, the king and queen were selected based on how well they controlled their coronary risk factors such as not smoking, weight loss, diet control, exercise and diabetes management. In addition to lifestyle modification, we look for candidates who improve their health on a regular basis and display a positive attitude. This program provides a great support system for patients with heart disease because they can rely on each other and share stories that can help continue the health and well-being of each individual.”
St. Mary Medical Center’s King and Queen of Hearts are living-proof that cardiac rehabilitation makes a difference in the quality of their health. “Queen Fugate” has been attending Cardiac Rehab since 2010, when her physician recommended customized exercise and education to help her maintain a heart healthy lifestyle.
After completing Phase 2, Fugate continued on with the Phase 3 maintenance portion of cardiac rehabilitation. Fugate enjoys attending rehabilitation and credits this to the supportive, joyful staff and the friends that she has made while in the program.
“I feel very blessed,” said Fugate. “Cardiac Rehab has a family-like atmosphere and everyone is there for each other.”
Fugate and her husband (Mitchell) have been married for 14 years and have three children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
“I want to be a good role model for my family by making positive changes and living a heart healthy lifestyle,” Fugate said.
“King Hollister” has been attending cardiac rehabilitation since 2008, after having quadruple bypass surgery. Following a second open heart surgery to have his mitral valve replaced, he proved his commitment by completing Phase 2, and then Phase 3 of the program. During his recovery, he also remained active in the operations of his automotive collision business in Wheeler.
Hollister was chosen as “King” for his dedication to heart health, positive attitude and resiliency.
“My friends at Cardiac Rehab have been so supportive,” said Hollister. “The staff is great and the camaraderie makes it fun.”
Hollister has been married to his wife, Laura, for 36 years and they have two daughters.
Cardiac rehabilitation also benefits people with heart arrhythmias, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), cardiomyopathy and obesity. Spectrum of St. Mary Medical Center, located just north of the hospital campus at 1345 S. Lake Park Ave., offers specialty cardiac rehabilitation educational classes for diabetics as well as people with high blood pressure.
St. Mary Medical Center and its sister hospitals of the Community Healthcare System – Community Hospital in Munster and St. Catherine in East Chicago offer regular screenings that can assess a person’s risk for heart disease and other related medical conditions. Visit www.comhs.org for a complete listing of upcoming screenings and assessments available at a Community Healthcare System hospital or outpatient facility in your neighborhood.