"Before my heart attack, I couldn't walk very far. Now, after the procedures and through the cardiac rehabilitation program, I can walk a pretty good distance."
After suffering a heart attack two years ago, Robert, 74, of Brick, underwent observation at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus.
A series of tests revealed that Robert needed stents, so he was transferred through RWJBarnabas Health's extensive network of heart services to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. After a series of stent placements and an angioplasty over the years, Robert underwent his final procedure last summer. His physician, Dr. V. Paul Kate, a board certified cardiologist on staff at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, recommended that Robert enter Kimball's three-phase Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
"You get to know everyone there so well, they become like friends," said Robert, who is in Phase III - the maintenance portion of the program. "Now, I go twice a week. It keeps you in good shape. After the very first week, I started feeling better. It keeps you motivated."
Robert walks on a treadmill at home to complement the program's exercises. He also stays active by doing maintenance and remodeling work on his home.
"Before my heart attack, I couldn't walk very far. Now, after the procedures and through the cardiac rehabilitation program, I can walk a pretty good distance."