MORE STORIES...

ROBERT SHEARHART
CARDIAC REHABILITATION

It's a matter of the heart – and Robert Shearhart will tell you, really, he's a cowboy at heart. Westerns have held his interest for years, and some old western movie heroes have, too. Especially the legendary Hopalong Cassidy. One piece of memorabilia close to Robert's heart is a pocket knife, featuring the hero's picture, which his parents gave him when he was quite young. Robert also takes heart in environmental awareness. He's always liked running his recycling center and visiting with his customers. But his heart really belongs to his wife, Louise – they like doing things together. When they have time, they read, and while she enjoys reading from her bible, Robert leans toward western novels. Because of Robert's heart, however, they're very thankful to have any time to spend together now.

Robert has a heart problem. Surgeons in another city, who first treated his condition, recommended that Robert continue his vital follow-up rehabilitation services at Labette Health. Having the Labette Health progressive, monitored exercise program available close to their home is important to the couple. Because of the state of his heart condition, Louise goes to every session with Robert. "I have heart failure – only 10 percent of my heart is working. The exercising has helped, and I can now work half a day."

While watching Robert during the sessions, Louise has been very pleased to see the excellent care – the nurturing and nudging – he has received from the exceptional Labette Health professionals who show they really care. In addition to exercise training, they teach patients about managing the disease, risk factors and life style modifications they must make to reach their ultimate goal.

That goal – the real heart of the matter for the rehabilitation staff – is to get all patients – even reluctant ones – back to normal activity and improve their quality of life. "I am impressed with the professional way the cardiac rehab center is run, and yet made an enjoyable experience by all the instructors."