Eagles Auxiliary donate to BGH Cardiac Rehab

Thanks to the Sandpoint Eagles Auxiliary, Bonner General Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program will be able to spread its wings a little bit further.

Every year the Sandpoint Aerie of the Eagles hosts a fundraiser dinner for the Max Baer Heart Fund. The fund was started in honor of boxer and actor Max Baer, an Eagle member who died of a massive heart attack at the age of 50. In addition to this national fundraiser, the Eagles Auxiliary has taken it upon themselves to help out local organizations through handmade raffle items.

This year, Vicki Ann Dawson, the wife of Sandpoint Eagles President David Dawson, made a beautiful Valentine-inspired quilt as a raffle item. She chose the Bonner General Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program as the benefactor of the raffle proceeds. All in all, the quilt raised $400for the program. It was announced at the fundraiser dinner that Johnnie Lawson of the Eagles won the quilt, which was listed as the grand prize.

BGH's Cardiac Rehab is a place where people can come to get their feet back under them after suffering a heart event. It is directed by physicians and taught by registered nurses with critical care experience. Not only does it help get exercise back into the lives of heart patients, but the program stresses education and lifestyle changes as well. In many cases, the patients finish the program in much better shape than when they started.

Confidence levels also increase as a result of the exercise. Balance and endurance improve and suddenly activities that used to seem impossible are achievable goals. Just to make sure no one overdoes it, though, the patient's heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen saturation are monitored while exercising.

Patients interested in the Cardiac Rehab program should speak to their physician. A prescription is required in order to participate in the program. The initial session consists of an assessment by a cardiac nurse and the development of an individualized exercise prescription. After the initial assessment, regular sessions consist of a combination of aerobic and strength training exercises.

Since the goal of the program is to reduce the risk of having a repeat heart event, heart education is an important component of the class. Patients will get a better understanding or their condition and learn what they can do to keep their heart healthy.

Since the programs beginnings ten years ago, it has helped hundreds of area residents become healthier and wiser about their hearts.

Bonner General Hospital would like to thank Vicki Ann Dawson and the Sandpoint Eagles Auxiliary for recognizing the Cardiac Rehab Program through the gift of their raffle proceeds. We would also like to thank Vicky at the "Admit One Fabric Outlet" for quilting the quilt. Your generosity and effort is greatly appreciated