While the Statesboro Family YMCA is known for its programs, exercise opportunities and community engagement, it also serves as a hub for collaboration and fundraising for local organizations. This spirit of teamwork led to the creation of a new initiative, thanks to the efforts of three community leaders: Hannah Beggs, executive director of the Statesboro Family YMCA; Bryan Realiza, manager of the Centers of Excellence Accreditation at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, as well as a member of the YMCA and chair of the organization's board; and Rebecca Collins, a professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology at Georgia Southern University who also works as an instructor at the YMCA.
As a result of their collaboration, the Phase 3 Cardiac Rehabilitation program was launched last year. Led by Georgia Southern graduate students at the YMCA, this free 12-week program offers safe, guided exercise opportunities to community members with a history of cardiovascular disease and various other chronic health conditions.
Phase 3 Cardiac Rehab
Research has found that patients who complete a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program increase their chances of survival and improve their quality of life. This rehab is typically divided into three phases. Phase 1 refers to the counseling, education and care received during an acute hospital stay, after a cardiovascular condition has been diagnosed, while Phase 2 begins immediately after the patient has been discharged from the hospital.
Already in place at East Georgia Regional Medical Center is a Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation program, which aims to help patients rebuild confidence and adjust to life after a cardiac event. In this phase, patients are monitored to see how their hearts respond to gradually increasing levels of exercise and activity, and specialists offer assistance in maintaining a heart-healthy diet, controlling high cholesterol, smoking cessation, regulating high blood pressure and managing stress.
Following a successful second phase of cardiac rehabilitation, a person has gained greater independence and is ready to return to work and resume everyday activities, begin a regular exercise program and embrace a more active lifestyle.
Enter the new Phase 3 program at the Y — the only one of its kind in Bulloch County.
“Phase 3 cardiac rehab is for members of our community who have experienced some type of a cardiac event, and they've gone to our excellent services at East Georgia Regional, the cath lab and stroke intervention team — there's so many great resources for that initial response that save so many lives — but the next phase of that recovery and getting back into your daily routine, getting that quality of life back, getting that exercise … to prevent another adverse event, and just get you back to really living — that's the challenging part of having a cardiac event,” Collins said. “So, we aim to bridge that gap once you leave the hospital.
“We provide staff members and certified exercise physiologists to be there with you while you are exercising to make sure that we're building that confidence, showing you appropriate intensities for your exercise, and helping you progress and get stronger … so that you can return to doing those wonderful activities that you're used to doing.
“We also encourage you to get involved socially at the YMCA because we are a family and we want to all support each other, which is really important,” she added. “It’s just as important as the physical exercise when you're trying to recover from something of that nature.”
While the Phase 3 program is tailored to those recovering from cardiac events, its sister program, Heart Works, welcomes individuals with other chronic conditions, like high blood pressure or obesity, who need assistance on their way to adopting a healthier lifestyle in order to prevent a cardiac event from ever occurring.
“We want those … who may look at physical activity with fear to feel supported and included and to have a safe space to grow in their fitness journey,” Beggs said.
Statesboro Heart Run
As a completely free service, fundraising is critical to the program’s success. That need resulted in the creation of the Statesboro Heart Run, a three-mile run/walk held in February in honor of American Heart Month that invites locals to “run for your life” to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in Georgia, and honor those who have experienced heart-related issues.
The second-ever Statesboro Heart Run will take place on Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. The timed run will begin at the Statesboro Family YMCA, 409 Clairborne Ave., and travel down Gentilly Trail before looping back to the Y.
Registration is open now, with an entry fee of $30 until race day, and $40 on the day of the event. There will also be a Kids’ Run ($5 to register), so there’s something for participants of all levels.
The top three finishers in each age group will receive medals, and all runners and walkers will receive race bags filled with marketing materials, treats and other goodies.
The Statesboro Heart Run is more than just a race — it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community. By participating, sponsoring or donating, you can help fund programs that ensure individuals with heart disease and chronic health conditions have access to the care and support they need in recovery.
