HONESDALE, PA — Valentine’s Day has become part of Wayne County’s two-week, February 14 to 28 recognition of Cardiac Rehabilitation Week.

Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) cardiac rehab coordinator Nadine Greco made her appearance before the commissioners to promote heart health in Wayne.

Heart disease is the state’s number one killer, and Wayne ranks seventh highest in its cardiac-related death rate among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

The cardiac rehab program at WMH is certified by American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and wins high marks from area physicians and patients.

Cindy Williams said she had open-heart surgery two years ago, and felt she recovered quickly with initial rehab. But after 12 weeks, she “felt regression physically, emotionally and mentally.”

She went back to WMH rehab, and soon felt the difference. “It’s a great asset,” she said.

Bruce Lambert suffered cardiac arrest in 2011 and survived. He’s been in rehab ever since. “It works very well. I feel good,” he said.

Peter Wynne said his home “up north” is a 45-minute drive, but after a cardiac incident eight years ago and subsequent angina, “I wouldn’t dream of missing a session, even if it was a two-hour drive. I’m stronger now than I was 10 years ago.”

Williams said “We’re all cheerleaders for one another.”

Greco said the rehab group, which meets twice weekly, uses a treadmill, stationary bike and other exercise machines, but for most people, 30 minutes of walking daily provides cardiac maintenance.

Williams, who is also a cancer survivor, said “If you can avoid open heart surgery, do it. Now I understand how important it is to get off your butt. The more you sit, the more you’re going to sit.”