Hospital Auxiliary Donates New Treadmill to Mahaska Health
The Mahaska Health Hospital Auxiliary recently donated a new commercial grade rehabilitation treadmill for use in the cardiac rehabilitation portion of Mahaska Health cardiopulmonary services. Pictured with the treadmill from left to right are: Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt; Auxiliary Board Members Carole Comstock, Sharon Palmer, Becke Arnold, Sherill Helm, Janet Masterson and Lorraine Blom; Mahaska Health CEO Kevin DeRonde; Auxiliary Board Member Judy Lewis; and Cardiac Rehab Nurse Renee Edgar
MAHASKA COUNTY – The Mahaska Health Hospital Auxiliary recently donated a new commercial grade rehabilitation treadmill for use in the cardiac rehabilitation portion of Mahaska Health cardiopulmonary services.
According to Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Renee Edgar, treadmills are used by patients every day. “For many patients, these treadmills are a part of their everyday routine. It’s a great way for them to come get their heart pumping and reach their health goals,” said Edgar.
The Cardiopulmonary team reached out to the Mahaska Health Hospital Auxiliary in hopes that they could help them meet their growing need for another treadmill. “We currently have one treadmill used by our patients every day, but a second would allow us to get even more patients exercising on a regular basis and that is exciting,” said Edgar.
The new treadmill cost approximately $4,500. It has a shorter step height and extended handles providing a safer and easier to use option for patients.
The Hospital Auxiliary funded this donation with proceeds from Whispering Tree Gifts, a gift shop located at Mahaska health that they run, as well as through annual fundraisers like plant, fudge and jewelry sales. “The Auxiliary is made up of a wonderful group of volunteers dedicated to raising funds to give back to the hospital,” said Kim Langfitt, Mahaska Health Volunteer Coordinator.
This donation comes just in time for February, which is heart month. According the American Heart Association, approximately 836,000 deaths have cardiovascular disease listed as an underlying cause of death every year in the U.S. That is about 1 in every 3 deaths.
To help educate the public on heart health, Mahaska Health will be hosting a Go Red Open House and lunch and learn on Tuesday, February 12 in the Cedar Bluff Learning Center. Guests can stop by any time between 10 am and 2 pm to visit with medical professionals, enjoy samples of heart-healthy food, and learn about ways they can improve their heart health.
From noon to 1 pm, guests are invited to attend the free lunch and learn session featuring Cardiologist Dr. Phillip Bear. A light soup lunch will be provided. RSVP is required for the lunch and learn and can be made by calling 641.672.3240 or on Eventbrite by searching for “Mahaska”.
About the Mahaska Health Hospital Auxiliary
Formed in 1955, the Mahaska Health Hospital Auxiliary has provided support to the hospital through money raised by operating Whispering Tree Gifts, located on the lower level of the new patient care wing at entrance #4. The volunteer organization also hosts a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, including uniform, jewelry, plant and book sales.
About Mahaska Health
Mahaska Health, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves. For more information about Mahaska Health, visit www.mahaskahealth.org
