Mercy St. Charles launches Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab program

Mercy Health - St. Charles Hospital announced the launch of its new Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) program, a comprehensive and scientifically proven approach to heart health that significantly enhances its existing traditional cardiac rehabilitation services.

This innovative program is designed to provide patients with an advanced, lifestyle-based approach to recovery and long-term wellness.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery for patients who have experienced a heart attack, undergone bypass surgery, or received a stent, as well as those managing chronic heart conditions like angina or heart failure. While traditional programs offer vital exercise and education components, the Pritikin ICR program expands these services into a more comprehensive, 72-session format that integrates nutritional education, behavioral health counseling, and personalized fitness plans.

The Pritikin ICR program is founded on proven principles developed at the world-renowned Pritikin Longevity Center in Florida. The program is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and has been shown to not only slow the progression of heart disease but often reverse it by focusing on the root causes through impactful lifestyle changes.

Key features of the St. Charles Hospital Pritikin ICR program include:

• Comprehensive nutrition education: Patients will participate in hands-on cooking classes and receive personalized dietary counseling focused on the Pritikin Eating Plan, emphasizing whole foods to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Supervised exercise regimens: Clinically supervised exercise sessions tailored to each patient's fitness level to build strength and cardiovascular endurance.
• Behavioral health support: Counseling sessions to address stress management, mental health, and strategies for long-term adherence to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Team-based care: A dedicated team of physicians, registered nurses, registered dieticians, exercise specialists, and counselors work collaboratively with each patient.

“The introduction of the Pritikin ICR program represents our commitment to excellent cardiovascular care,” said Janet Spare MSN, BIS, RN, clinical nurse manager cardiovascular services at Mercy Health - St. Charles. “By integrating the Pritikin philosophy into our existing services, we hope to empower our patients with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable lifestyle changes that extend far beyond their time in the hospital, potentially improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of future cardiac events."

Patients interested in learning more about the Pritikin ICR program at Mercy Health - St. Charles may contact the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at 419-696-7612.