SW_Lady_ZB_042519

22ndcenturymedia.com lady
22nd Century Media | April 25, 2019 | 13
New Lenox woman recovers
from heart procedure with
rehab at Silver Cross
For most women, a tightfitting
bra is uncomfortable,
but for retired school
administrative secretary
Nancy Teschke, it was a
lifesaving signal to see a
doctor.
A few years ago, Teschke
came to the painful realization
that she had gained a
lot of weight; in fact, she
was at an all-time high. So
she embarked on a weightloss
journey that included
hiking, biking and golf.
To her delight, this youngat-heart,
active wife and
mother of adult children
lost 50 pounds following a
year’s investment of dedicated
effort.
Relaxing on a vacation
watching TV last fall
in Branson, Missouri, she
wondered why her bra felt
tight. She admittedly felt
a little lightheaded and
fatigued on occasion, but
chalked it up to needing
new glasses, overdoing
activities or overeating on
vacation, especially after a
round of golf and visiting
tourist attractions. In the
back of her mind, she also
knew her dad had suffered
heart disease, but quickly
put that out of her mind.
Luckily, her husband ignored
her excuses and took
her to the nearest emergency
room where an angioplasty
revealed a 99 percent
blockage in her main coronary
artery and a 50 percent
blockage in a second one.
This degree of blockage
is often referred to as “the
widow maker.” Two stents
were inserted and, after a
short hospital stay, she returned
home to New Lenox
still overwhelmed by the
experience and concerned
about the future.
“It was frightening to realize
that what I assumed
was minor discomfort actually
indicated a desperately
dangerous heart condition,”
Teschke said.
She called Heartland
Cardiovascular and connected
with cardiologist
Hazem Al Muradi, M.D.,
who designed a follow-up
care plan that included cardiac
rehabilitation at Silver
Cross Hospital.
“This was a big wake-up
call for me, and I appreciated
the informative staff
guidance during my rehab
program,” Teschke said. “I
learned why I was doing
certain exercises and what
I could expect in terms
of health improvements.
The staff was friendly and
knowledgeable, and the
constant monitoring gave
me confidence that I could
safely return to a normal,
even healthier life.”
Silver Cross rehabilitation
nurses and exercise
physiologists monitor activities
with telemetry and
helped Teschke learn to
change her bike riding to a
level that benefits her heart.
“A diagnosis or treatment
for a heart condition
can be life-changing, even
frightening,” said Brendan
Casey, Manager of Cardiology,
Endoscopy and
the Interventional Lab at
Silver Cross. “The goal of
the Silver Cross Cardiac
Rehabilitation Program is
to provide individualized,
progressive exercise and
education to help participants
and families recover
from the cardiovascular
event and prevent future
heart problems. Our program
is designed to improve
the functioning of the
heart and lungs, strengthen
muscles and help our patients
confidently live their
best life.”
Teschke said the program
has helped her in
many ways.
“I learned about building
cardio endurance and
strength fitness through
monitored activities and
education,” Teschke said.
“I attended classes to
learn about diet and lifestyle
changes that would
improve my overall heart
health and fitness, such as
watching hidden sodium
levels and stress management
techniques.”
Having recently completed
36 rehabilitation sessions
over 12 weeks, Tes-
Please see heart, 16
Youmean,
Ican have all
my Breast Care
at Silver Cross?
Nice!
RoutineMammograms. Thorough Diagnosis.
Innovative Treatment. RapidRecovery.
Silver Cross Hospital has brought together advanced technology,
leading-edge therapies and highly trained doctors*—all under
one roof, so you can receive comprehensive, coordinated breast
care close tohome. And our certified breast health nurse will
guide you every step ofthe way.
This includes having your medical information reviewed by a
multi-disciplinary team of breast specialists for arecommended
treatment plan. Scheduling appointments with an experienced
breast surgeon. Or helping you access innovative clinical trials,
prone radiation therapy, and genetic testing and counseling
in the University ofChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer
Center andlymphedematherapy in theShirleyRyanAbilityLab
—both atSilver Cross Hospital.Wealso offer many support
programs and boutique services toenhance your quality oflife.
Experience Silver Cross. Schedule an appointment at
(815)300-6350.
*General Surgeons,Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Radiologists, Pathologists,and
Plastic/ReconstructiveSurgeons–many fellowshiptrained in breast cancer
Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet
the needs of patients seeking their care.These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical
Staff and arenot the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their
independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.
1870 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox • IMatter.silvercross.org • (815) 300-6350