Page 81 - Southern Oregon Magazine Winter 2018

the heart—both physically and emo- VOLUNTEER VISITORS CAN
tionally,” Nicholson says.

Mended Hearts has been in our com- LITERALLY ENHANCE PHYSICAL
munity for 35 years. Last year, Asante
partnered with them to make it a
formal program and offer a broader HEALING AND IMPROVE THE
base of training. Where earlier training
was only heart-related, annual train-
ings now include other health issues, QUALIT Y OF LIFE FOR HEART
enabling volunteers to see the bigger
picture.
PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Some heart patients feel their lives will
be governed by restrictions and limita- BY WALKING ALONGSIDE
tions. Two Mended Hearts volunteers,
a couple who skydive (post-surgery),
tell such folks otherwise. Visitors vig- THEM THROUGH ONGOING
orously recommend Cardiac Rehab to
the patients because they know first-
hand that the 12-week program results PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT.
in better outcomes for those who do it
versus those who don’t.

Beyond the benefits patients receive,
studies show that volunteers also
profit. For patients, their emotions are
eased, their questions answered, their
fears allayed. For the volunteer, it is a
reminder that when we bless others,
it circles back, enriching our lives. It’s
a reminder to stay with healthy eating
and exercise. In the case of couples, a
man might remember that his wife isn’t
nagging, just nudging him toward bet-
ter food choices so he can be around
longer.

In 2018 (September 15, 8 a.m. – 4
ASANTE p.m.) Asante will sponsor and host
the first-ever regional Mended Hearts
Cluster meeting. The purpose is to
motivate Mended Hearts members
through educational sessions, member
training sessions, and officer train-
ing sessions. Members will be able to
obtain information from National and
Regional Leaders, who will share the
current and future direction and goals
of Mended Hearts, Inc.

Laura Nicholson, CPXP
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center
2825 East Barnett Rd., Medford
laura.nicholson@asante.org

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