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St. John’s recognizes heart patients for positive lifestyle changes
Feb. 8, 2005
Gerald Lipchik was named this year’s King of Hearts at the 15th annual
St. John’s King & Queen of Hearts ceremony Feb. 8 in Springfield. The “crowning”
recognizes cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients who have made
significant lifestyle changes following a cardiac incident. Cardiac and
pulmonary rehabilitation centers across the Ozarks nominate individuals for this
award who staff members feel are committed to making heart-healthy choices with
regard to eating, exercise and self-management of disease.
Gerald was hospitalized at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield in July 2004 for
angioplasty and stent placement and a new diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
Despite having numerous risk factors for heart disease, he made some very
dramatic lifestyle changes. He did no regular exercise before but now exercises
6 days a week, both at St. John’s Hammons Heart Institute and at home, and has
lost 25 pounds His blood sugar and blood pressure are also much better
controlled. In an effort to deal with stress, Gerald has restructured his
priorities, uses leisure and diversional activities techniques, and schedules in
relaxation time each day. Although Gerald could have chosen to give in to his
situation, he instead chose to make changes necessary for a healthier and more
productive life. His wife Becky was named Queen of Hearts for her supportive
role in helping him achieve his positive lifestyle changes.
Other nominees this year included:
Bob VanWye
St. John’s – Cassville
Bob had an acute heart attack in December 2003, which required stent placement.
He was readmitted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield in January 2004 for
possible coronary artery spasms and has been attending St. John’s Cardiac Rehab
- Cassville since February 2004. Bob has made some significant lifestyle changes
in the past year. He quit smoking after 40 years, decreased his cholesterol
levels with medication and diet changes, an reduced his blood pressure by 20-30
points – enough that he no longer need to take medication for BP control. He
exercises regularly and uses biofeedback techniques for stress management. Bob
is described as “an excellent motivator to others in and outside of rehab who
are in the process of making their own lifestyle changes”.
Daniel Knauss
St. John’s – Lebanon
Daniel became very seriously ill and had a lengthy hospitalization at St. John’s
Hospital in Springfield in March 2004 with an acute heart attack, heart failure,
and cardiogenic shock. Daniel lost 20 lbs and significantly decreased his total
cholesterol level from 249 to 134 with medication and drastic dietary changes.
He eliminated white flour, pasta and rice products from his diet and lowered his
salt and sugar intake. He attended every cardiac rehab education class and began
regularly exercising, which he had not been doing. He is still exercising in the
St. John’s phase 3 cardiac rehab program in Lebanon. Daniel first came to rehab
to gain enough strength to have bypass surgery, but he has done so well that
surgery in now on hold!
Howard Cummings
St. John’s – Aurora
Howard came to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield in May 2004 with an acute
heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery. He then joined St. John’s Cardiac
Rehab - Aurora and continues now in the phase 3 program there. Howard quit
smoking after 40 years and has been able to decrease his blood pressure by 25-30
points. He has decreased his fat intake and significantly improved his exercise
tolerance. When a work conflict cut into his exercise times, Howard talked with
his job supervisors about the importance to him of attending rehab and they
agreed to help him. He was able to identify work-related stress with his
supervisors and made needed changes there as well. Howard has obviously made the
necessary changes for a healthier life.
David Petty
St. John’s – Monett
David was hospitalized at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield in June 2004 when
he needed coronary artery bypass surgery. Following surgery he began attending
St. John’s Cardiac Rehab - Monett and has been faithfully attending ever since
to help manage his risk factors of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and
hypertension. David has cut down on food serving sizes and is making healthier
food choices. He has significantly increased his exercise endurance and even
uses exercise to help manage his stress. Not only does David have a cheerful and
positive attitude about making lifestyle changes, but although he is a young 80
years old, the rehab staff says, “he acts like he is 60!””
Jerry West
Missouri Rehab Center – Mount Vernon
Jerry was admitted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield in June 2004 with his
fourth heart attack. He had stents placed and then returned to the Mount Vernon
Missouri Rehab Center where he has been a participant for 10 years. He continued
with his plan of regular exercise and healthier diet choices and has now lost 10
pounds. Jerry manages his hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes with
medications and good lifestyle changes. He and his wife, Marie, are continually
working on ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle while they are active in their
community. The rehab staff reports that they welcome all new rehab participants
with open arms, aiding them with positive reinforcement and good advice. Jerry
has clearly demonstrated a dedication to years of heart healthy living.
Tom Baker
St. John’s – St. Robert
Although he had no prior history of heart disease, Tom was admitted to St.
John’s Hospital in Springfield in March 2004 with an acute heart attack and
stent placement. He then began cardiac rehab at St. John’s Cardiac Rehab – St.
Robert and has seen some very dramatic improvements since then. He has decreased
his blood pressure by 10-15 points and has lost 18 lbs with both exercise and
significant dietary changes. Tom also went from not exercising at all to working
our 4-5 days a week in cardiac rehab. He has retired from a high-stress job and
now manages his stress with several leisure activities and hobbies. Tom has made
every behavioral change possible to improve his heart health and is a great
example to the others patients at the St. Robert Clinic.
Carolyn Grundman
St. John’s – Berryville, AR
Carolyn was admitted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield in September 2004 for
placement of a stent in her right coronary artery and then returned to cardiac
rehab at St. John’s Cardiac Rehab – Berryville, AR where she had been a patient
since 2002. Carolyn has been able to decrease her blood pressure and cholesterol
medications with dietary changes and regular exercise. In addition, she has used
portion control and more nutritional food choices to lose 26 pounds. Despite
having periodic hip pain, Carolyn stays very active at the local community
center and in cardiac rehab. She has learned to maintain a balance in her life
and has a bright and cheerful demeanor. Carolyn is an encouragement to others
and is always quick to welcome new people into cardiac rehab.
Lloyd Lee
St. John’s –Branson
Lloyd started at St. John’s Cardiac Rehab - Branson in January 2004 following
bypass surgery at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. In the year since then, he
has been able to decrease his total cholesterol level by over 60 points.
Although Lloyd had been doing no exercise at all, he began driving 45 minutes
each way to attend rehab and began to see great improvements in his exercise
tolerance. Lloyd is a diabetic, and since beginning a regular exercise program
his blood sugars have stabilized and he has been able to decrease his diabetes
medication. The rehab staff reports that when Lloyd started in cardiac rehab he
was very quiet and introverted, but as he began to feel better, he became very
interactive and supportive to other patients.
For media information, please contact St. John’s Media Relations at
417-820-2426. |
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