Gundersen Tri-County welcomes new exercise physiologist

Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics welcomes exercise physiologist Kristin DeMers, MS, to help patients recover from major cardiac events close to home in Whitehall.

Coronary artery disease is woven into her genetics, impacting her grandfather and other family members. It also fueled her passion for patient care.

As a child, DeMers shadowed her grandfather during his Cardiac Rehabilitation after he underwent triple bypass heart surgery. She watched him grow stronger through cardio exercise and strength training under the supervision of exercise physiologists.

"What inspired me as a 10-year-old was I could physically see how much better my grandpa was doing over time," she said. "To this day, he is walking and staying as active as he can. I believe his journey is what lead me down this path."

Her path includes an undergrad degree in Exercise Sports Science with an emphasis in Fitness and Nutrition from Oregon State University and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

DeMers is basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support certified. She takes her Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional exam through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Clinical Exercise Physiology through the American College of Sports Science exams this year.

DeMers can help patients with nutrition and weight management, tobacco cessation, exercise guidance, cardiac monitoring and symptom management, risk factor management, stress reduction, breathing exercises/retraining techniques, monitored exercise and diabetes management.

"I want to help people see how much more they can do after major cardiac events," she said. "Not only physically, but also by understanding how much power they have to reduce the chance of future cardiac issues."

For more information on Cardiac Rehabilitation, consult your healthcare provider or call (715) 538-1713.