Orange City Area Health System Launches Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

ORANGE CITY AREA HEALTH SYSTEM LAUNCHES PRITIKIN INTENSIVE CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Orange City Area Health System is expanding its cardiac rehabilitation services with the launch of the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program, providing additional support for patients recovering from heart-related conditions and procedures.

Orange City Area Health System is the third hospital in Iowa to offer Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation and the only hospital in the tri-state region to provide the program.

The 12-week program builds upon the health system’s existing cardiac rehabilitation services by combining medically supervised exercise with nutrition education, engaging cooking classes, and healthy mind-set workshops. Together, these components help patients develop practical habits that support their recovery and long-term cardiovascular health.

“Pritikin allows us to support patients beyond the exercise component of cardiac rehabilitation,” said Makayla Davidson, Director of Ancillary Services at Orange City Area Health System. “Patients will learn how nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other everyday choices can contribute to their heart health. Our goal is to give them tools they can continue using long after completing the program.”

Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation is built around three areas of lifestyle change: safe and effective exercise, heart-healthy nutrition, and a healthy mind-set. During the program, patients participate in individualized exercise under the supervision of the Cardiac Rehab team while also learning how to prepare heart-healthy meals, manage stress, set achievable goals, and make informed lifestyle choices.

Patients will also receive care in a newly remodeled cardiac rehab space featuring a modern, welcoming design and expansive windows that fill the area with natural light.

“We recognized a need in our community for a more comprehensive approach to cardiac recovery, and Pritikin gives eligible patients access to that level of support close to home,” said Chris Sietstra, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. “Many teams contributed to making intensive cardiac rehabilitation a reality for our patients and our community. I am proud of the way our staff consistently collaborate to expand access and provide meaningful support to the communities we serve.”

The Pritikin Program has been taught for 50 years and is supported by decades of peer-reviewed research. Its intensive cardiac rehabilitation program was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2010.

Patients may qualify for intensive cardiac rehabilitation following certain heart-related diagnoses or procedures, including a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty or stenting, stable angina, heart valve repair or replacement, heart or heart-lung transplant, and certain cases of chronic heart failure. Participation requires a referral from a qualifying provider, and insurance coverage may vary.