Cardiac Rehabilitation Testimonials

“Wonderful experience! The staff were very welcoming and very professional. They seem to take the time to get to know all the patients and adjust to the individual patient. As time passed, both the staff and members made it feel more like a family atmosphere than a hospital program.”

Derrick, age 53

“When I first arrived, I was nervous regarding my abilities and if the exercise would cause me to revert back to atrial fibrillation; or if it would too hard. I had endured a lifetime of cardiac limitations and with my surgery, restrictions were lifted. The cardiac rehab program staff understood my concerns and gently encouraged me to push forward. The monitoring and familiarity with the staff made this an even stronger reinforcement for my success. The staff is exemplary and professional. I encourage any person who could benefit from cardiac rehab to seek the program at Windber.”

Pam, age 65

“I felt it helped me to prepare for returning to work. I got to exercise with other people who had different health problems. It was a good program for people that want to get stronger and return to work.”

Robert, age 67

“I was sent here for cardiac rehab. Staff was very friendly and attended to all my needs. I decided to join the gym after my rehab because of my excellent relationship with staff.”

Robert, age 71

“I found the cardiac rehabilitation program team excellent. I believe the staff makes the program. They are professional and knowledgeable while progressing through each phase of the program. They are friendly and interested in your well-being and continuously check on your progression before increasing your workload and/or increasing you to something new. I believe this program benefits me by improving my overall stamina and balance. I have and will continue to recommend this program to others.”

Max, age 80

“Staff was knowledgeable and caring in helping me return to the gym after my stent placement and angioplasty. The dietician portion was very helpful showing me things to look for with regards to sodium and healthy snacks. I’ll be returning to the gym in the afternoon when my rehab is complete.”

Jim, age 70

“I am glad that I chose Windber rehab for my cardiac rehab. The staff is very friendly and the equipment is top of the line. I would recommend this rehab center to anyone in need of cardiac rehab. Thanks for all you have done to get me back into good physical condition following my aortic valve surgery.”

Joseph, age 74

“Cardiac rehab helped me to get my confidence back after my heart attack. Exercising while being monitored helped me to know I could resume exercise on my own.”

Terri, age 68

“My experience at the cardiac rehabilitation program couldn’t be any better. The help I got, and the patience of the workers that helped me, made the experience very helpful and put me at ease. They did everything they could to help in any way they could. I would recommend this program to everyone. I will continue to do what I learned in the future.”

Rose, age 82

“When I first started here I was physically and mentally struggling. With various health issues and depression; then a heart attack and congestive heart failure, my outlook on my life was bad. I was ready to give up. Miranda, Angie, Matt, and Lori talked me through my 3x/week workouts. They provided ways to talk me through getting my goals accomplished with exercises and they helped me with a lot of my thoughts of giving up. At the end of rehab, I have a much better feeling about myself and things I can accomplish and not to give up, to keep going. I am joining here to continue my therapy and to keep improving. They are fantastic here!”

Rhonda, age 58

“I was very happy that I decided to participate in the cardiac rehab program. The entire staff was friendly and knowledgeable. They would take time to listen to my questions and give positive advice plus encouragement. They have motivated me to continue to work toward a full recovery.”

David, age 57

“I am absolutely convinced that this program was instrumental in aiding my recovery from active congestive heart failure. Without the help, support, and guidance of the cardiac rehab staff, the increase of my heart ejection fraction would not have been as significant. I plan to continue this regimen on my own through the Silver Sneakers program.”

J. Paul S.

“The atmosphere, professionalism, and friendliness of the staff is to be commended! I have nothing but high praise for the Chan Soon-Shiong Cardiac Rehab. I entered the program with doubt that I could complete the goals set before me. I was very exhausted, extremely tired, and without much motivation. I have completed the program with confidence, increase of energy, and a hopeful outlook. My health has truly been rejuvenated while at Cardiac Rehab. I am thankful for the caring watchfulness of the staff and their ability to answer many health questions I had while in the program. Thank you!”

Brian T.

“Always well managed. Provided good direction during all exercises. Friendly people willing to help and listen to you. Clean and bright environment. Well maintained equipment. Best place to come for rehab help”

Richard H.

“Cardiac Rehab has helped me get through a very difficult time. The physical exercise, health monitoring, wonderful support from the staff, the therapists and the nurse were all great. Being able to ask questions about our health problems and even helping our emotional issues was much needed. Also being with others with similar health issues and being able to share with them, even making new friends with them was very helpful. Thank you all for all your help, support, and all you do for us. And especially for the one-on-one help and support.

Edwin D.

“The Cardiac Rehabilitation program helped me to get back to a quality lifestyle. I had a very comforting experience knowing I had so many “coaches,” my therapists, who were sincerely concerned throughout my therapy. I was taught a heart healthy diet to keep me living longer. Rehab built my strength and increased my energy. This experience was very successful moving me into a healthy lifestyle. Thank you to all involved to getting me back to enjoying life.”

Connie B.

“The staff has been very supportive. I am nearly back to feeling as good as I did before the heart attack. They are really concerned with how you feel. The staff is terrific!!”

Donald D.

“In the beginning of my program, I was uncertain of not just my capabilities but of the center’s, too. I could not imagine what more it could do for me than I could do myself. From the beginning, the staff and patrons were great, friendly, and accepted me as one of them. I always left rehab feeling good both mentally and physically. The staff did a good job of exercising me at a safe and comfortable pace. I am sad to see my rehab end but with its help the rest of my life has just begun!”

Russell B.

“Cardiac Rehab has been very good for me being a diabetic; increased exercise has helped control my blood sugars better. The staff has been very helpful and most flexible to my work schedule so I could make all my sessions. Thanks to all of you.”

Wilbert N.

“[The Cardiac Rehab] program has been a tremendous help to me! I am once again on a regular exercise program, watching more closely what I eat and finally seeing all my “important” numbers; blood pressure, blood sugar levels and weight coming down. I have been encouraged and motivated by the friendliness and guidance of Cindy, Angie, Lori and Matt. This is such a well-run program and I would highly recommend it. Thank you all for your help.”

Kathy M.

“When I started this program, I just had some blockage repaired. It made it hard for me to breathe; and I got very lazy. Since then, I have more strength, and now have the desire to continue with physical training. The staff was always helpful, and willing to push me just a bit harder. I now have the goal to improve, and keep the progress going forward. I will be here to keep advancing. My many thanks to all who have helped!”

Ken M. age 70

“The Cardiac Rehabilitation is a great program, and helped me gain strength back. I was weak when I returned from the hospital, and the program allowed me to regain my muscle tone. I lost a lot of muscle after having my heart operation, and the program helped me gain it back. The staff works with us as patients to answer questions, and how to get set up with an exercise program for our individual needs. The staff is very good with what they are trained to do; and I am pleased with how well I have done in the 12 weeks I have spent in the program.”

Michael M. age 67

“I found the program very satisfying and useful. The staff was friendly and concerned with my progress. I enjoyed brief periods of talking, and interaction with other clients. I plan to join the HealthStyles program, and continue improving my health.”

Ronald S. age 82

“Cardiac Rehabilitation has helped me get my cholesterol and triglycerides under control. This is the first time in 15 years that I have had normal numbers.”

Marjorie B. age 60

“Everyone I worked with was positive and professional. They allowed me the flexibility to complete my Cardiac Rehabilitation while continuing with work. Lori and Matt allowed me to progress the intensity of the workouts while measuring my comfort levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. Angie and Cindy worked hard to ensure I had no issues physically; and did everything possible to make me comfortable with the program.”

John H. age 56

“Cardiac Rehabilitation was a blessing for me. I went from being afraid to try many activities, to gaining confidence to try new things. I was encouraged to increase my endurance in the activities that were prescribed. When doing these activities, I gained confidence in my ability. I feel much stronger and able to move on with life. Thank you to everyone who worked with me throughout the process. I plan to continue my exercises at this facility after my program is done.”

William W. age 75

“After surgery I was anxious about any activity that would stress my heart. Cardiac Rehabilitation gave me back my confidence. I knew if I worked hard I could enjoy life again. The staff was very supportive. They frequently monitored my blood pressure, and blood sugar levels throughout exercise. I would, and do, recommend Cardiac Rehabilitation to anyone who has had any conditions. Without rehabilitation, I would probably be sitting in my chair afraid to move.”

Virginia B. age 73

“The program works if you commit to doing it. The staff is helpful and there to assist in any way they can. I nicknamed them “my dream team.” I worked at my own pace and did not feel pressured to just perform, and move on. I will join the HealthStyles program when my Cardiac Rehabilitation is complete. Thank you all for helping me to succeed!”

Chris R. age 66

“What an amazing difference! 36 sessions later, and I feel so much better! Everyone was so friendly, and helpful. Lori and Matt pushed me ever so friendly to do a little more at a time. I have gone from barely making it upstairs for a nap after therapy, to going hiking afterwards. After a “cardiac scare” it was reassuring to know someone was keeping an eye on me through monitors.”

Cheryl B. age 67