q - Augusta Health

Image © istockphoto.com/Kati molin
“One of our advantages is that we’re a smaller hospital,
so we can be more responsive,” says Kelly Manor, P.A.-C,
Clinical Coordinator of Augusta Health’s cardiac catheterization
lab. She notes that the hospital’s heart attack treatment
times are faster than the national standard. “We’re proud of
what we’ve done here,” she says.
On any given day, you can see this pride in Augusta
Health’s cardiology department, as its medical team is hard at
work for its patients. To meet the community’s needs, “We
off er a variety of services,” says Mark Masonheimer, B.S.n.,
Administrative Director of cardiovascular services.
You may see patients getting noninvasive services such
as stress tests rooting out heart problems, monitors looking
for irregular heartbeats and ultrasounds detecting blockages
in the body. Others may be undergoing more invasive
procedures such as cardiac catheterization for diagnostic and
emergency treatment purposes (including a newer technique
called radial access, which allows for quicker recovery time
for patients), angioplasty, stenting and implantation of
pacemakers. Patients who meet certain criteria, such as those
who’ve had a heart attack, will also be off ered cardiac rehab.
“There’s a real feeling of security among patients,” says
Debbie Caldwell, rnCCT, AnCC-BC, Clinical Coordinator of
cardiac rehab in the monitored outpatient exercise program.
But medical services and procedures aside, the staff also
plays an important role in the level of quality care off ered.
“We have a very dedicated, compassionate team here at
Augusta Health,” Masonheimer says.
And they literally take your health to heart.
get your
physician’s ok
Your healthcare provider will likely support your fi tness
eff orts and may off er specifi c guidelines based on your
health. Check with him or her to discuss whether any
of the following apply to you:
» chest pain or pain in the neck or arm
» shortness of breath
» a diagnosed heart condition or you take heart or
blood pressure medication
» joint or bone problems
» dizziness
» an inactive lifestyle
tips for getting active
You can fi nd opportunities for physical activity everywhere!
Try these tips:
» Organize a family softball game.
» Walk briskly around the mall—and do a little
window-shopping!
» Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
» learn a new dance.
» Take the dog for a walk.
» Park farther away from the store or
your offi ce building.
» Wash the car, garden, vacuum or do any other
chore that gets the heart pumping.
» Train for a charity event, such as a walk-run race.
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