Authors

  1. Montilla, Heather BA, RRT
  2. Junk, Leah RRT

Article Content

Rationale:

The Second International Heart and Lung Games will be held this year in Chicago, Illinois May 26-28. It has been titled "Restoring the Joy of Sports". The title encompasses the spirit of what the heart and lung games are all about. It is a day when participants come together not only as patients, but also as athletes. A day where patients are recognized for their efforts, and what they have been able to achieve through hard work and persistence in their exercise regime.

 

Objective:

To provide information to other Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs on how to develop Heart and Lung Games in their institutions.

 

Methodology:

A core team member is needed to spearhead the event. This team member will form a small committee of motivated individuals to organize the events. Each team member will be designated different areas of the event to complete.

 

Recipe for Heart and Lung Games Made to Perfection

Ingredients

1 Lead team member/Head Coach, 3 Team members to form a committee, 1 Gym, Caterer, Sponsors, T-shirts, Medals, Volunteers, The Press, Guest speakers, Torch Bearer, National Anthem Singer

 

Directions

Prepped in advance by the committee: all food, reserved rooms, items for the event. Preheat everyone involved by getting them fired up for a successful outcome. Baste all sponsors by fully coating them with letters containing exciting information about the big day and how important their donations are to make it a success. In a large gym mix all ingredients. Bake for approx. 6 hours opening to closing ceremonies. Serve with lots of staff and volunteers.

 

Results:

A day of competition and camaraderie with fellow patients.

 

Conclusion:

The Heart and Lung Games promote knowledge of self and well being through commitment to weekly exercise. Also, patients attain a certain level of confidence though learning their own strengths and accomplishments. This allows the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team to become an integral part of the patient 's support system, through sharing of ideas and cheering for one another. Many patients who otherwise might not have traveled find security in going with a group who face the same hurdles of being a patient with cardiac and pulmonary disease. The Heart and Lung Games promote a continuum of social and psychological wellness for patients with cardiac and pulmonary disease.