Exercise is essential to reaching a full cardiac recovery. A wealth of rehabilitative services is available through the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Designed like a fitness club, the latest machines, including bicycles and treadmills, are provided through the program. Open since 1979, the program consists of three phases:    • Inpatient education    • Immediate post-discharge and    • Wellness. Inpatient education involves discussing the program with the patient and setting the ground work to develop a program that fits the patient’s needs. The immediate post-discharge phase is the program’s main feature. During this 12-week stage, patients attend monitored classes three times a week. Education classes are provided that concentrate on diet, exercise tips and ways to reduce stress. Controlling cardiac risk factors, such as high cholesterol, smoking, uncontrolled blood pressure and lack of exercise are also covered. The wellness phase wraps up the program by allowing patients to implement the skills they’ve learned. Anyone can join the wellness program, no matter the type of cardiac problem. And, you don’t have to have had a heart attack to enter this stage. The wellness phase can benefit those who want to control blood pressure or cholesterol. For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, call 632-5833.