In a recent article, the author discussed lifestyle changes that a patient needs to make after myocardial infarction. One point was missing: referral to cardiac rehabilitation. We aren't just exercise!! As part of a multidisciplinary team, we help the patient and his family make adjustments in his lifestyle. The staff not only educates him about risk factors and medications, but reinforces other patient teaching. The group setting gives him the support he needs during recovery. As an outpatient program, we assist with the continuity of care begun in the inpatient setting.

The comments appearing in this column are excerpted from readers' correspondence. Send your letter, name, credentials, and complete mailing address to: Letters Editor, Nursing2005, 323 Norristown Rd., Suite 200, Ambler, PA 19002, or e-mail to [email protected]. Please include your e-mail address and daytime telephone number.

CAROL J. O'HARA, RN, BSN, MEd

Hummelstown, Pa.