On any given Tuesday and Thursday, the Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics’ Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department is buzzing with activity as area residents – generally seniors – engage in the popular Movin’ & More program.
Each week, the Movin' & More program offers a supportive and structured environment for those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, to better manage their health. It is also an excellent starting point for people looking to jumpstart their fitness routine.
During each session, staff move about the gym, checking in with people as they engage in various cardio and strength training activities. Participants may request to have their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and weight checked during their session or connect with staff on their goal progress. The department also provides monthly education on topics such as healthy recipes, fun facts and seasonal resources.
Movin’ & More makes a difference
It was blood pressure that brought Ottmar Boebel, Jr. to the program. When having his blood pressure checked at a local meal site, he learned it was borderline high. It was then that he made a promise to Nora Munson, long-time Gundersen Boscobel Cardiopulmonary Rehab director and current clinical manager of Gundersen Health System’s Cardiotesting Lab, that he would work to lower it. Soon after, Boebel enrolled in the Movin’ & More program and immediately saw the benefits.
“The program provides far more than just weekly exercise,” Boebel says. “Each time I come, I get feedback from the staff related to my progress, which helps keep me motivated, and you can tell that everyone genuinely cares about your physical and mental well-being.”
The program has had a positive impact on the lives of numerous enrollees, who report improved strength, endurance, mood, energy and confidence.
Boebel notes that his promise to Munson was to make his health a priority, and it’s that very promise that keeps him coming back each week.
“The team here is great, and people don’t realize the benefits of the program until they try it,” Boebel says.
Get involved with Movin’ & More
The self-pay program is affordable and offers a voucher, which provides one free month for all new enrollees, thanks to the generosity of Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics Foundation donors.
To learn more about Movin’ & More, contact Gundersen Boscobel’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department at (608) 375-6221.