New Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Hospital

It’s time to get your heart back in rhythm and breathe fresh air again! St. James Parish Hospital is excited to announce the launch of its cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, starting this month.

Community and family support play a crucial role in the recovery process, and having access to care close to home can significantly enhance healing. These comprehensive rehabilitation programs are designed to support patients dealing with heart and lung issues, providing them with the tools they need to recover, and improve their quality of life.

“The new cardiac and pulmonary rehab program at St. James Parish Hospital represents a significant step forward in how we care for the community,” said Benjamin Kilpatrick, MD, Cardiologist at Baton Rouge Cardiology Center and Medical Director of the new cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program at St. James Parish Hospital. “By providing accessible, high-quality rehabilitation services, we’re empowering individuals to regain their strength, improve their quality of life, and reduce the burden of heart and lung disease right here in St. James Parish.”

According to St. James Parish Hospital Cardiopulmonary Manager Laurie Webb, RRT, before the program, patients in rehabilitation had to drive nearly an hour for cardiac or pulmonary rehab. “The travel can be burdensome, two or three times per week, which makes it difficult for some patients to continue the rehab program. We wanted to offer quality services much closer to home.”

Cardiac rehabilitation is an intense, medically supervised rehabilitation program aimed at helping patients with heart conditions regain their strength and maintain overall heart health. The program includes exercise regimen, heart health education, nutritional counseling, emotional support, and the development of healthy lifestyle habits. It is specifically beneficial for patients recovering from heart attacks, surgeries, heart failure, congenital heart disease, and cardiomyopathies.

Pulmonary rehabilitation focuses on helping patients with lung conditions breathe more easily and improve their quality of life. This program incorporates physical exercises, breathing techniques, lung-health education, nutritional counseling, behavioral changes, and emotional support. Pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial for patients with lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, and emphysema.

Helping oversee and managing the program, Laurie emphasizes the importance of receiving quality care close to home. “We give patients as much encouragement as we can along the way,” Webb said. “And involve the patient’s family because leading research suggests that support at home is a big part of successful patient outcomes.”

Located in St. James Parish Hospital, cardiac rehabilitation will be offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to noon and pulmonary rehabilitation will be offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1pm to 4pm. Referrals are needed, and patients can be referred to this program by their cardio/pulmonary specialist or their primary care physician.

For referral inquiries or questions, please contact Cardiopulmonology Manager, Laurie Webb, at 225-258-2018, or fax your inquiries to 225-258-2012. We look forward to supporting you on your path to recovery and wellness!