Successful program created by two Arcadia staff members to be implemented in Arcadia offices nationwide

The new Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) program educates patients on how they can prevent and care for their condition.  It also benefits Arcadia by identifying in-home oxygen candidates or sleep therapy candidates.

The program teaches patients what to eat and what not to eat, such as foods with a high level of sodium. Arcadia staff members visit the patient’s home to do a complete respiratory evaluation including reviewing all the medications the patient is taking,
checking the list and dosage with the patient’s heart doctor, educating patients on how to weigh themselves and teaching them how to read food labels.

The program’s primary goal is to encourage patients to weigh themselves daily.  “An overnight weight gain of two or three pounds can spell trouble for a CHF patient,” said Vickie Hartman, sales representative in Huntersville, N.C. and co-creator of the CHF program.

All program participants receive an overnight oxygen measurement test.  Emily Moxom, respiratory therapist in Sarasota, Fla. and co-creator of the CHF program said, “The overnight oximetry test is the most effective way to identify a patient with CHF who will benefit from nocturnal supplemental oxygen and /or a sleep study.

Participants of the program are given their Body Mass Index (BMI) to keep track of what they should weigh.  They are given a scale to make sure they are able to weigh themselves properly and a portfolio featuring helpful information on health and eating right.  They also receive a daily weight log to keep track of their weight for their doctor, tips on simple exercise, an ideal diet and proper nutrition facts like how to read food labels.

The new CHF program has been met with approval and enthusiasm by both patients and physicians.