Upbeat Wellness Programs

Our approach

The Upbeat Program was the first of its kind in the region, offering wellness programs in exercise, nutrition and stress reduction for cardiac and pulmonary patients. The facility provides a safe, friendly environment for wellness activities. 

The professionally-trained staff includes exercise physiologists, a physician advisor, nurses, dietitians, social workers, cardiopulmonary specialists and a complement of CPR-trained volunteers, many of whom successfully completed the Upbeat cardiac rehabilitation program.

View and print our brochure here.

Physician Referred Program

This unique setting also offers a private retreat for those:

• with risk factors for heart disease
• who suffer from various pulmonary disorders
• with medical conditions improved with exercise
• those who are simply seeking a guided exercise program

A physician referral is required, and once received, our staff can provide patients with a fitness evaluation and develop a n exercise prescription based on the results they desire.

Location

The Upbeat Wellness/Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is located on the ground floor of BRMC’s Outpatient Services Center. The1,200 square-foot setting provides a safe, friendly environment for wellness activities on equipment including:

• Treadmills                        • Eliptical Machines
• Airdynes                           •   Arm Ergometers
• Rowers                             •   Stair Stepper
• Stationary Bikes                •   Weight Equipment
• Recumbent Bikes             •   NuSteps

Cardiac Rehab

Cardiac Rehab is a comprehensive exercise and education program, designed to restore patients to their optimal physical, emotional, vocational and medical status.

While our program is a great place for group support, it also offers individually tailored plans developed to meet a patient’s specific needs. The exercise physiologists at Upbeat evaluate each individual and design an exercise program according to the patients’ abilities. Throughout the program, staff help patients learn to take control of their risk factors and return to productive lives.

Phase II – Cardiac Rehab

• Phase II is an outpatient exercise program that begins shortly after a patient is discharged from the hospital. The program requires a referral from a physician and is monitored anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks, three days per week. During this phase, the exercise program is continually evaluated and changed according to the individual’s rate of progression. Most insurance companies cover this program for diagnoses that include:
• Stable angina (chest pain)
• Bypass surgery
• Heart attack
• Stenting
• Congestive heart failure
• Valve replacement/repair
• Transplant

 Phase III – Cardiac Rehab 

• Once patients have “graduated” from the Phase II program, they are eligible for the maintenance exercise program. This allows individuals to continue with supervised exercise sessions and lifestyle modifications. This phase is not normally covered by insurance. Unlimited exercise programs are available for a reasonable monthly charge.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The pulmonary rehabilitation program is a multidisciplinary service designed to reduce and control the symptoms experienced by patients with moderate to very severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as well as non-COPD pulmonary conditions. The goals of the pulmonary rehabilitation program are to relieve symptoms, improve health status and enhance health related quality of life. These goals are achieved by initially performing a pulmonary function test and a cardiovascular endurance test. Upon completion of these evaluations, an exercise program will be developed that is specifically tailored to the needs of the individual patient. The patient then participates in rehabilitation sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, unless otherwise dictated by the patient’s physician or insurance provider. Furthermore, during the 12 weeks, our patients are encouraged to attend education classes offered on a variety of topics including nutrition, medications, smoking cessation, stress management, exercise and risk factor management.

Meet Our Staff

Jason Nuzzo, MS, is a life-long resident of Bradford who began working as a wellness tech at BRMC in 1999.  In 2000, Jason graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Master of Science degree in exercise science with an emphasis in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.  Now the coordinator of cardiac rehab at Upbeat, Jason takes pride in guiding patients as they improve their quality of life. 

Melissa Cook, exercise physiologist, graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports medicine from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.  Melissa began her career at BRMC in 2002 at SMART Rehab Clinic and transferred to Upbeat Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Department in 2019.  She enjoys working with patients and encouraging healthy lifestyle and wellness goals.