POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s (CPH) cardiac rehabilitation program is offering extended hours to meet the growing needs of its patients.

An exercise specialist, registered nurse, and rehabilitation aides operate the suite in the Hospital’s main facility at 50 Leroy St.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 90-minute group classes begin at 7:10 a.m., 8:40 a.m., 10:10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. New patient evaluations are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the suite is open from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. for patients in the maintenance phase of the program and for those receiving pulmonary rehabilitation. All visits are by appointment.

“Many of our patients lead active lives within the community and had not been able to take advantage of our cardiac rehabilitation program because of a conflict with their schedules. Since we’ve expanded the hours, we’ve seen a sizeable increase in number of patients enrolled in the program,” said Krystle Burgoyne, Clinical Exercise Physiologist. “It’s never too late to start the rehabilitation program. Every day is a new opportunity for patients to grow stronger and take control of their health.”

Patients must be referred by a primary care provider for cardiac rehabilitation. Patients will have a unique exercise plan created to fit their personal needs by a certified exercise specialist. Every activity is monitored in a safe and controlled environment with trained professionals in the room to ensure a safe level of cardiac activity is maintained.

For those diagnosed with cardiac disease, rehabilitation has shown to be instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for many patients. They are able to carry out daily living activities more easily, develop their emotional strength, reduce their cardiac disease risk factors, and increase education and awareness of managing the disease, according to Burgoyne.

More info: 261-5922