Doctors Hospital of Laredo is providing Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab to treat patients with cardiovascular disease
“We are excited to provide our heart patients the Pritikin program at our cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center, says Ashley Dowler, Chief Operating Officer at Doctors Hospital. “We have seen firsthand how this intensive cardiac rehab program helps improve the health and wellness of our patients affected by a cardiovascular event. We are also proud to work with Dr. Wilfredo Crespo, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, who serves as the Medical Director of the Rehab Center.”
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The Pritikin approach is based on the Pritikin lifestyle program, which focuses on the role of healthy eating, regular exercise and a healthy mind-set. The Medicare-approved evidence-based rehab program helps reduce risk factors for those who have experienced a serious heart event by implementing lifestyle changes that promote long-term health and well-being
Numerous studies have documented the Pritikin program’s ability to lower blood cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, blood sugar control and reduce other lifestyle-related risk factors
Patients who have suffered from one of six qualifying cardiovascular events, including heart attack, angioplasty and stents, bypass or valve surgery, angina/chest pain, or cardiac transplant, can enroll at Doctors Hospital’s Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab program
Patients can begin the program immediately following a heart event and the program is easily adapted to be completed in eight to 18 weeks, depending on the patient’s availability. The program encourages family members to attend for motivation and support. The 72-session intensive cardiac rehab enhances conventional 36-session cardiac rehab, enabling a more comprehensive series of exercise, nutrition and stress management sessions for improved outcomes
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The sessions offer exercise, individual education and group workshops facilitated by Doctors Hospital team members including a registered dietician, exercise physiologists and registered nurses (RNs). Patients will enjoy heart-healthy cooking ideas, classes and instruction on healthy food, shopping and meal planning
The program is custom designed to fit an individual’s needs with personal counseling to reinforce lecture sessions, provide coaching and track progress. Learn more about intensive cardiac rehab by calling (956) 523-2779 or visit www.ichoosedoctorshospital.com
In addition, Doctors Hospital Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team is proud to be certified by American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (@AACVPR). This recent accomplishment is a testament to the efforts in providing high-quality patient care and services
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Doctors Hospital of Laredo. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Doctors Hospital of Laredo is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital medical staff. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website
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About Doctors Hospital of Laredo
Doctors Hospital of Laredo, in Laredo, TX, is a 183-bed acute care facility that offers a range of medical services including 24-hour emergency care, neuroscience program, open-heart program, cancer services, and comprehensive women’s health services. Serving our local community for 50 years, Doctors Hospital of Laredo is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and advanced technologies that deliver a positive patient experience
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With twice the number of sessions as traditional cardiac rehab – 72 instead of 36 – Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) offers a comprehensive curriculum which includes not only medically-supervised exercise, but also nutrition education, cooking classes, and healthy mind-set workshops. This evidence-based approach is one of only two Medicare-approved ICR programs currently available for licensing to hospitals and physician-based practices
Pritikin is rapidly expanding its network of ICR providers, which represent nationally recognized heart hospitals and are among some of the largest health systems in the country. Qualifying events for Pritikin ICR include heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty, stable angina (chest pain), heart or heart-lung transplants, heart valve repair or replacements, and chronic heart failure. For more information, please visit pritikinicr.com
