HRH classes promote healthy lifestyle

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Houlton Regional Hospital (HRH) is helping area residents achieve a healthy lifestyle through testing, education and exercise. Ingrid Black, R.N., manager of cardiopulmonary services, with the assistance of six others on staff and a part-time secretary, runs the unit now located in its own renovated space. Previously, the unit’s services were spread out in four different areas.
    “It flows easier. We are able to get more work done in a shorter amount of time because we are all in one area. And, it enhances patient safety because more of us are here in case of any emergency,” Black said about the new space.
    Black explained that patient confidentiality was an important factor in developing plans for the new space. “No longer will patients be walking from one area to another in a gown. And, for example, a patient taking a stress test will be in a separate area from the one where scanning takes place.”
    Cardiac services and pulmonary services have various levels of testing and education for patients who have had some type of medical event. And, of course, no therapy, testing or treatment is enough without maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That’s where education, ongoing support and exercise play an important role.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
CRANKING IT UP — Exercising at Houlton Regional Hospital on the arm ergometer as part of their fitness program are from left: Yvonne Blake, Leonard Michaud and Elbridge Gagnon. Seen in back are: Christine Ferrell, R.N., Terry Spinney, an instructor, and Paul McGillicuddy, a program participant.
    Paul McGillicuddy was on a treadmill exercising during a recent Friday class and said in his own playful way, “I just come here to see Ingrid to tell you the truth.” Then, he added, “Lately I’ve been breaking in slowly on the treadmill. I need some exercise and it works out pretty good.”
    Also in class that day was one of the original patients, Yvonne Blake. She was sitting at a table working out on an arm ergometer. It’s a medical apparatus with a flywheel that is moved by a peddling motion of the arms. “I’ve been coming here since we started with classes more than 20 years ago at the Houlton Rec Center. And, then I had a heart problem so the doctor recommended that I come.”
    Black pointed out that maintenance, or Phase III, is ongoing for as long as a patient wants to continue. It is usually on a self-pay basis. It is subsequent to the earlier phases, I or II that are usually covered by insurance. Phases I and II  are  for testing, monitoring and education following a cardiac event or treatment for a patient admitted with lung disease.
    For cardiac patients Black said “diet, exercise and not smoking” are critical. However, she did say, sometimes no matter what you do, your family history plays a part. But, it is best to keep active, not smoke, decrease stress and keep diabetes in line. Obviously, she added, anyone with lung disease should not smoke and avoid toxic substances because it sometimes takes years for pulmonary damage to show up later in life.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
WARM UP — Ingrid Black, R.N., manager of cardiopulmonary services, checks Paul McGillicuddy’s progress on the treadmill.
    Black said she and the staff try to maintain a very positive environment. “We try to make the lifestyle changes fun, the education fun and the exercise fun. It’s not all tofu and beans anymore. We encourage sensible eating and portion control. At one time it was tofu and beans. Not anymore.”
    Elbridge Gagnon said the Phase III classes have helped him “very much” in controlling his blood pressure. “It’s been almost two years. I knew when you exercise your heart rate would go up. I didn’t realize it would also bring down your blood pressure. When I finish exercising here, it brings down my blood pressure almost 20 points. We measure it.”
    Bart Peters, maintenance manager at HRH, said the hospital started planning renovations three years ago in collaboration with people who would actually use the various spaces that were being reconfigured. “It was 7,700 square feet of new space and 3,400 square feet of renovations that added up to $3 million,” Peters pointed out.
    “The actual construction took about 10 months and we tried to be as energy-conscious as we could with automatic light sensors and automatic heat and air conditioning that only goes on when a room is in use.” Peters also said that non-slip floors were installed for safety.
    Part of the renovation and construction involved a new emergency room entrance, located at the back of the hospital opposite the front lobby with a new waiting area and designated parking. The relocation of the Cardiopulmonary Services Unit also has designated parking near the new emergency entrance. Peters said the new designated parking, marked with signs, is helpful for patients to avoid walking farther than necessary, even playing a role in helping them feeling better.
    For more information, call 521-2522.