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+++++++++++++++++++ +++ +++ +++++++++++++++++++ LOCAL NEWS + + ST. JOSEPH'S CARDIAC AND PULMONARY REHABILITATION CENTERS RECERTIFIED BY AACVPR The cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation centers at St. Joseph's, located on the North Medical campus in Liverpool, were recently noti- fied of their recertification status with the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Currently, the centers are the only certified programs in the Syracuse area. Among patients who complete a cardiac rehabilitation program fol- lowing a cardiac procedure or heart attack, there is a 25% decrease in mortality over three years. "Most people with pulmonary disease who complete a pulmonary rehabilitation program have less shortness of breath, improved func- tional capacity and an improved quality of life," says Susan Woods, RRT and program coordinator. St. Joseph's originally achieved certification status in 2003 and has maintained this status with recertification every three years. AACVPR certification guarantees a high level of care utilizing each patient's individual goals as well as adherence to quality standards. Patients referred to cardiac or pulmonary rehab at AACVPR-certified pro- grams can be assured that these programs' policies are supported by national guidelines. FRANCISCAN COMPANIES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE, LOOKS TO EXPAND NORTH Franciscan Companies recently launched a new website designed to educate patients in a 17-county area about products and services designed to help them live home and live well. The new website can be found at www.FranciscanCompanies.com. FranciscanCompanies.com is an easy-to-use resource for the community. It includes information on sleep and breathing therapy, home medical equipment, home health care, the Lifeline medical alert system, medication dispensers, Embracing Age and weight loss. The Education & Events page will be updated regularly with articles on health conditions including chronic obstructive pulmo- nary disease, congestive heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea and asthma. The Employment page contains postings in many areas, including administration. More people living in rural areas have access to health care products and services thanks to Franciscan Companies partnering with regional hospitals to operate Oneida Health Support in Oneida, St. Elizabeth Health Support Services in Utica, Lourdes Health Support in Binghamton and Auburn Health Support Services in Auburn. The company is now exploring relationships with other local hospitals in northern New York. "Partnering with hospitals and medical staff in smaller communities allows us to bring high quality home medical products and services to people in outlying areas," says Keith Cuttler, Franciscan Companies Vice President. "At the same time, we provide financial support for their hospitals." NEW CPAP CENTER OPENS Franciscan Companies has opened an additional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) patient service center at Hill Medical Park in the New York Heart Center. The office is located at 1000 East Genesee St., Suite 300 in Syracuse and is open to current and new customers, as well as walk-ins. While the center will primarily serve patients of the New York Heart Center and the Sleep and Wellness Sleep Center, Franciscan welcomes the general public, too. Customers can stop at the new center to talk with a registered respiratory therapist about therapies related to the treatment of sleep disorders. To contact the center, call (315) 671-1427. Franciscan provides ad- ditional CPAP patient services at 945 E. Genesee St. and 7246 Janus Park Drive in Liverpool. s MDNEWS.COM s MD NEWS Central New York | 21