Greenville Reporter

The ECU Health Cardiac Rehabilitation clinic in Roanoke Rapids, in association with Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR), launched its services on January 6. This initiative marks the introduction of the first program of its kind in eastern North Carolina, with its initial patient group nearing program completion.

The Pritikin ICR is grounded in the Pritikin Program, which has a long-standing history of nearly 50 years at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami, Florida. Over 150,000 individuals have partaken in the program, supported by over 100 peer-reviewed studies conducted by UCLA medical researchers, validating its health benefits. The collaboration with ECU Health aims to offer advanced cardiac care methods in the region.

Eligibility for the program includes patients with a history of certain heart conditions such as stable angina, recent heart attacks, coronary bypass surgery, and chronic heart failure, among others. The program stands out with its comprehensive, lifestyle-change curriculum comprising exercise, nutrition, and mental health components. Unlike typical cardiac rehabilitation that offers up to 36 sessions, the ICR includes 72 sessions to enhance patient education and physical activity.

Markus Melvin, program manager for cardiovascular and pulmonary rehab, outlined that participants engage in exercise and education sessions three times weekly. “Every patient has a guidebook with exercise tips, recipes, and other information that they bring with them to each session,” he said, emphasizing the educational aspect of the program. Patient feedback has been positive, with remarks highlighting both the social and educational benefits of the program.

Patients Robin Joyner and James Moseley shared their positive experiences, noting improvements in physical and heart health. The sessions incorporate heart-healthy cooking demonstrations, adding nutritional education to the program’s facets. The program also fosters social interaction among participants, which is facilitated by shared experiences and peer support.

The ICR's commitment extends to personalized exercise plans and monitoring, serving as a communication link between patients and healthcare providers. Robin and James appreciate having access to the program locally, avoiding the challenges of long travel distances, which augments its accessibility.

The demand indicates a rising awareness and necessity for cardiac health services in the area. From an initial three patients, the program now serves 20, with a growing waitlist. As the first cohort approaches graduation, both participants recommend the program positively, acknowledging its impact on their health and lifestyle.

For additional information on the ECU Health – Roanoke Rapids ICR program, visit ECUHealth.org.