Getting Back His Health:
Gene Morley’s Story
Gene Morely
"I was determined to get my life—and my health—back as quickly as possible," Kirkland resident Gene Morley said after double bypass surgery. He did…and he credits the Sound Heart Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center with helping him bounce back better than ever.
The rehab program combines exercise, education and counseling to help cardiac patients recuperate and live a heart-healthier lifestyle. "Each patient is paired with a case manager who establishes an individualized program based on their health needs," explains Peggy McPherson, RN, who supervised Gene Morley's program. Morley exercised three days a week, and McPherson designed a home exercise program that played to Morley's love of bicycling along with treadmill work and strength training.
Each patient is paired with a case manager who establishes an individualized program based on their health needs
The long-time owner of a local Dairy Queen, Morley had lived on fast food for the past 35 years. He says the education classes opened his eyes to nutritional eating and how to handle cravings, along with information on medications and the emotional aspect of heart disease. A comprehensive manual follows the curriculum, and serves as a valuable reference once patients are on their own.
The new lifestyle worked—Gene Morley lost 55 pounds, and just eight months after his surgery he made good on another rehab goal—to complete the 200-mile Seattle-to-Portland Bike Classic.