Posted on February 9, 2026
The best thing a person can do to maintain good health is to be proactive in their approach. Robert and Cathy Sloan are prime examples of just how lifesaving this type of mindset can be.
Their story began when Robert saw his family physician for a routine six-month checkup and at the end of the visit, after a brief conversation about Robert’s family history of cardiac episodes, they decided to take precautionary measures to ensure that he was not in danger of having a heart attack.
“The six-month checkup results were normal. All of my blood test results were good. We began talking, and I toldthe doctor about my brother and my father having bypass surgery early in life,” said Robert with a shrug. “Then he recommended a calcium score test as an option for helping to identify any problem areas, and that is what started an unexpected chain of events.”
This suggestion turned out to be lifesaving because the score’s abnormal findings presented a need for further testing. Several weeks after the calcium test, a stress test, echocardiogram and heart catheterization revealed something surprising that Robert would need triple bypass surgery immediately.
Once surgery was completed and recovery progressed to an appropriate level, the cardiologist recommended that Robert incorporate cardiac rehab into his care plan. Although there were at-home regimens available, Robert and Cathy decided to sign Robert up for the South Central Wellness and Rehabilitation Center’s Cardiac Rehab Program.
The South Central Cardiac Rehab Program is accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and is designed to help people who have experienced cardiovascular events such as stable angina, coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, coronary angioplasty with coronary stent, cardiac arrest, chronic heart failure, heart transplant, lung transplant or a heart attack. The program helps patients who have experienced these events or conditions recover faster and improve their quality of life. The program includesexercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
One huge benefit of the program is that it is individualized and tailored to fit each patient’s unique needs and goals.Because Robert’s surgery occurred before he had experienced a heart attack, his heart was still strong. The staff designed a regimen that started off slow and was focused on steady improvement. Robert, who was committed to improving his overall cardiac health, attended classes faithfully and Cathy supported him throughout the duration of the program.
“They started me out with simple movements and my blood pressure was taken before and after each session. A heart monitor was also attached and closely watched,” said Robert. “After a week or two of keeping a close eye on me,they started adding various exercise machines and weightlifting. Although there was monitoring and oversight, I didn’tfeel smothered, and I had as much freedom as I wanted.”
After approximately 13 weeks of rehabilitation, Robert was released from the program. However, his positive experience with the Wellness Center inspired him and his wife to sign up for a regular paid membership, which they have faithfully used for the past several months.
“Although we have gym equipment at our home, we just felt more comfortable coming in here because of the available medical staff,” said Cathy.
SCRMC Wellness Center staff have noticed that many patients who participate in the Cardiac Rehab Program decide to continue attending the Wellness Center even after they have completed the official program.
“We are pleased to see that participating in this program often inspires patients to continue incorporating fitness into their daily lives by joining the Wellness Center,” said Cardiac Rehab exercise physiologist, Taylor Hodge. “This is the most positive outcome possible.”
If you have recently experienced a cardiovascular event or have a chronic cardiovascular condition, ask your provider for a referral for cardiac rehab today. A basic South Central Wellness Center membership is available for purchase by any member of the community. For more information, please call 601-399-0530.