Our heartfelt wish is for patients to stay as healthy as possible. So we teach them how to care for their heart and make necessary changes in lifestyle.

This program benefits postinfarction, angioplasty and post-coronary bypass patients. In addition, we welcome persons at high risk for coronary artery disease.

How it works
Our heart fitness team tailors a diet and exercise plan to meet the personal needs of each patient.

We offer classes to teach patients and families about heart disease, high risk factors and ways to reduce the chance of further damage.

In addition, patients who want it can receive private counseling to help modify smoking habits and cope with stress.

We stay in touch with referring physicians, and send them a final report when their patients finish the program.

Lung fitness
At Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center, we aim to lower the rate of people hospitalized or disabled with lung problems.

Targeted fitness programs like ours have been proven to:

• Reduce hospital admissions
• Improve exercise tolerance in people with lung diseases.

How it works
Patients start the Outpatient Heart and Lung Fitness Program after a referral from their physician or a specialist. They may suffer from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other conditions that impair the flow of air from the lungs.

Our professionals tailor individual plans of exercise, education classes and support services. They teach patients about basic lung anatomy and function, symptom management, proper breathing techniques, diet recommendations, diseases, medications, relaxation techniques and exercise therapy.

Continued healing
For those who complete the Outpatient Heart and Lung Fitness Program, we offer unlimited attendance in our maintenance program for a monthly fee. Spouses also may attend. It's all part of ensuring a healthier future.

For more information on the Outpatient Heart and Lung Fitness Program at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center, please call (865) 429-6722.