After cardiac surgery or a heart attack, starting cardiac rehabilitation in a monitored and supportive environment is the first step toward life-long strategies for improved health.  At Good Sam, rehab starts even before patients leave the hospital.  Phase I Cardiac Rehab includes nutrition information, stress management techniques and recommendations about beginning a personal fitness program based on each patient's individual circumstances.  Physicians may prescribe our Phase II 12-week program of progressive exercise with monitoring by Registered Nurses.  The program includes planning for the patient's transition to self-managed fitness, risk reduction and support services in the community.