Spotlight on the Gunnison Valley Health Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program: A Lifeline for Heart Patients

Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) offers a vital service for those recovering from cardiac events: cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. This comprehensive program is designed to help patients regain strength, improve heart health and reduce the risk of future life-threatening cardiac events right here in the valley. 

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that combines exercise training, education on heart-healthy living, counseling to reduce stress and medication adherence. It's tailored to each patient's needs, aiming to restore optimal heart and lung health to prevent future cardiac or pulmonary events. 

In rural areas like Gunnison County, access to specialized healthcare can be a challenge. GVH's program ensures that residents don't have to travel long distances to receive essential post-cardiac care. This local availability is crucial for timely intervention and ongoing support. 

GVH's cardiac rehabilitation encompasses several key components: 

• Personalized Exercise Plans: Developed to improve cardiovascular fitness under professional supervision. 
• Nutritional Guidance: Education on heart-healthy eating habits to manage weight and cholesterol with an option for a referral to a registered dietician. 
• Risk Factor Management: Strategies to control blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions. 
• Psychosocial Support: Counseling to address the emotional aspects of recovery with an option for a referral to the behavioral health and wellness center. 

Leading the program is Geoff Churley, GVH’s cardiopulmonary exercise specialist. Geoff holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Western Colorado University and his master's in High Altitude Exercise Physiology. Geoff first joined GVH as an intern working with the respiratory therapy team to further the development of the program. to develop the program. After graduating, Geoff joined GVH full-time to continue running and developing this important service. 

"Our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care that empowers patients to take control of their heart health," Churley said. "Being part of a rural community, it's essential that we offer these services locally to support our patients' recovery journeys." 

GVH's cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program exemplifies the hospital's dedication to improving community health. By offering accessible, expert cardiac care, GVH ensures that residents of Gunnison Valley have the resources they need to lead heart-healthy lives. 

For more information about GVH's cardiac rehabilitation services, visit

www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/cardiopulmonary