St. Joseph Health System

Find it Fast:

Services

Heart/Cardiovascular

Fully Integrated Program

Our cardiac rehabilitation program fully integrates medication management, monitored exercise, stress counseling, diet assessment, education and peer group support.

Cardiac Rehabilitation and Education

An important part of our continuum of care is the rehabilitation and support we provide for our cardiac patients. These services assist patients in the recovery process, as well as in making lifestyle changes for a longer, healthier, more productive life.

The program fully integrates medication management, monitored exercise, stress counseling, diet assessment, education and peer group support. Services provided include:

Cardiac Psychology

Cardiac psychology is the study and application of behavioral health techniques to the prevention and treatment of heart disease, and to the cardiology patient's adjustment to his or her diagnosis. The cardiac psychologist seeks to enlist the patient's proactive participation in his or her own cardiac health care by:

Promoting behavior changes that benefit health, including adherence to recommended treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up
Helping patients deal with issues related to their illness. Depression is quite common in heart patients, especially right after surgery. The cardiac patient’s spouse often needs guidance and support as well.

Effectively managing biological factors that influence the onset and progress of cardiovascular disease. Sometimes just learning breathing techniques can be of tremendous help.

David J. Murphy, Ph.D.

A clinical psychologist and educator with 25 years in practice and educated at the Professional School of Psychology in San Francisco, Dr. Murphy specializes in behavioral medicine with an emphasis in cardiac care. His dissertation focused on the psychological preparation of surgical patients for surgery. Patients who participated in Dr. Murphy’s pilot program, conducted at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, found his behavioral techniques to be of benefit to their emotional and physical health. Dr. Murphy has worked with the Erickson Institute in Santa Rosa and with the Sonoma County Department of Mental Health. He holds a multiple-subject teaching credential from Sonoma State University and has been active in the field of education throughout his career.

Spiritual Care

The Spiritual Care Department’s interfaith team of staff chaplains offer holistic ministry to all patients in need of spiritual and emotional support, and their families. Here's more about what Spiritual Care has to offer.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

HeartWorks

Making changes in your lifestyle can be challenging, especially when you are recovering from heart surgery, a heart attack or other cardiac event. In a cardiac rehabilitation program such as HeartWorks, you can participate in a safe, monitored exercise program and be a partner in your own healthier future. Programs include:

Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II – monitored exercise sessions. Coverage is offered by Medicare and private insurance carriers. Contact HeartWorks: (707) 573-6161or (800) 427-8573.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase III – a supervised exercise program to help people with a history of cardiac disease improve their wellness. Contact: Northern California Center for Well-Being at (707) 575-6043, or their HeartWorks site at (707) 573-6161. Visit www.norcalwellbeing.org.

Cardiac Education

Northern California Center for Well-Being

Although you may have already been diagnosed with a heart condition, education and support can help you reduce and/or control cardiac risk factors. Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital supports the Northern California Center for Well-Being in providing a variety of community education programs and classes. Many classes are covered by Medicare and private insurance. Sliding scale is available, depending on income. Classes include:

  • Preventing Heart Disease and Diabetes
  • Living with Diabetes: Wellness Series
  • Diabetes y Su Salud
  • Healthy Weight
  • Fitness for Life: Personal fitness programs, strength training, and more.
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Smoke Free Babies
  • Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs: Shape Down and Tomando Pasos
  • Individualized nutritional and fitness sessions

Contact: Northern California Center for Well-Being at (707) 575-6043. Visit www.norcalwellbeing.org.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) / Heart Success Program

Created to educate patients about their new diagnosis and adjust to the home environment, the Heart Success program begins in the hospital with education and may continue through the immediate recovery period at home. Contact: (707) 525-5279.

Support Groups

Mended Hearts

Affiliated with the American Heart Association, Mended Hearts offers hope to patients coping with heart disease. Through hospital visitation, monthly educational forums and support group gatherings, they “inspire hope in heart disease patients and their families.” Contact: the American Heart Association at (707) 542-1992. Visit www.mendedhearts.org