11

What is Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation helps people recover from heart and lung conditions while building strength, stamina and overall well-being. The Upbeat Program at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) was the first of its kind in the region, combining guided exercise, education and lifestyle coaching in a safe, friendly environment. It is appropriate for patients recovering from heart events, living with chronic pulmonary conditions or seeking structured, supervised exercise.

Who We Serve

Individuals with heart disease or risk factors for heart problems.

Patients recovering from heart attack, bypass surgery, stenting, valve repair or transplant.

Individuals with COPD or other chronic lung conditions.

Anyone seeking guided exercise for improved cardiovascular or pulmonary health.

The Care We Provide

Our Cardiac Rehab program is a comprehensive exercise and education program designed to restore patients to optimal physical, emotional, vocational and medical health. Patients learn how to manage risk factors and regain an active, productive lifestyle.

Phase II, Outpatient Cardiac Rehab: This program begins shortly after hospital discharge and runs 8 to 12 weeks, three days per week, under physician referral. Exercise plans are continually adjusted as patients progress. Phase II is typically covered by insurance for conditions including stable angina, heart attack, bypass surgery, stenting, congestive heart failure, valve repair or replacement and heart transplant.

Phase III, Maintenance Program: After completing Phase II, patients can join the maintenance program to continue supervised exercise and lifestyle support. Phase III is not usually covered by insurance, and unlimited sessions are available for a reasonable monthly fee.

Pulmonary rehab supports patients with COPD and other lung conditions. The program reduces symptoms, improves health and enhances quality of life. Patients begin with pulmonary function and cardiovascular tests and then follow a personalized 12-week exercise program. Education on nutrition, medications, smoking cessation, stress management and risk factor control is included.

Upbeat is located on the ground floor of the BRMC Outpatient Services Center in Bradford. The 1,200-square-foot facility provides a safe, welcoming environment with treadmills and elliptical machines, Airdynes and arm ergometers, rowers and stair steppers, stationary and recumbent bikes, and weight machines and NuSteps.

Physician-Referred Program

Upbeat offers a private, guided setting for individuals:

  • With risk factors for heart disease

  • With pulmonary disorders

  • With medical conditions that improve with exercise

  • Seeking a structured wellness program

111

A physician referral is required. After referral, patients receive a fitness evaluation and a personalized exercise prescription.

Why Choose Kaleida Health for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

  • First of Its Kind in the Region

    Pioneering cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation with wellness, education and guided exercise.

  • Experienced, Multidisciplinary Teams

    Specialists, exercise physiologists, nurses, dietitians, social workers and therapists working together.

  • Comprehensive, Coordinated Care

    Seamless support from hospital discharge to outpatient rehabilitation.

  • Individualized Programs

    Each plan is based on your abilities, medical history and recovery goals, with ongoing adjustments.

  • Education and Lifestyle Guidance

    Learn to manage risk factors and adopt sustainable habits for long-term wellness.

  • A Safe, Supportive Environment

    Professionally supervised exercise, specialized equipment and volunteers who completed the program themselves.

  • Proven Outcomes

    Patients regain strength, stamina and confidence while reducing symptoms.

  • Community-Centered Care

    Support for patients and families through a safe transition from hospital to home.

Meet Your Care Team

Jason Nuzzo, MS

Coordinator, Cardiac Rehabilitation. Guides patients through exercise and lifestyle programs to improve heart health.

Melissa Cook

Exercise Physiologist. Supports patients in achieving wellness goals and building strength, stamina and healthy habits.

Where You Can Receive Care

Upbeat Wellness, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Bradford Regional Medical Center
116 Interstate Pkwy., Bradford, PA 16701
Phone: (814) 362-8426

Hours: Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rehab sessions: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Upbeat participates in SilverSneakers and Silver and Fit. If your insurance covers these programs, membership fees are fully included.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have heart disease risk factors, ongoing symptoms or are recovering from heart or lung procedures, rehab can improve your strength and quality of life.

Most patients attend three times per week for Phase II or pulmonary rehab. Maintenance sessions in Phase III are flexible.

Request online, call our care team or ask your physician for a referral.

Most major plans are accepted. Coverage varies, and our team can help you understand your benefits.

Photo ID, insurance card, a list of medications and any recent test results or hospital paperwork.

Take the next step in your care

Whether you are recovering from a heart or lung procedure or seeking a structured wellness program, our team is ready to help. Call the Upbeat care team at (814) 362-8426 or ask your physician for a referral.