Welcome to UPCRA. We are the Upper Plains Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Association, serving communities in South Dakota, North Dakota and western Minnesota.

The goals of cardiac rehabilitation are:

- to reduce, modify and/or eliminate the health risks associated with chronic disease, and
- to restore, maintain and/or improve the patient's physical function and quality of life.

Cardiac Rehab seeks to accomplish these goals through a cost-effective program of various interventions and treatments.

Do you know a heart disease or stroke survivor who would like to help others learn about risk factors and warning signs of heart attack and stroke?

Many people don’t know they are at risk until it is too late. In fact, 63 percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms of this disease. Being educated about risk factors and knowing the warning signs can mean the difference between life and death.

The American Heart Association is working to educate South Dakota residents about these lifesaving health messages. We can reach thousands of people by sharing survivor stories through local media.

Volunteer spokespeople are needed to share their stories to help others. Opportunities can include newspaper, radio or television interviews or speaking at an educational luncheon. Spokespeople will decide how often, and in what capacity, they will participate.

Types of spokespeople include, but are not limited to:

• Women – especially younger women – who have experienced a heart attack or stroke
• People who have made positive lifestyle changes – healthy eating, making time for physical activity, quitting smoking, etc. – to improve heart health
• Caregivers or those who have lost a loved one to heart disease or stroke
• Any heart disease or stroke survivor with a story to share!

Contact Jennifer Riemenschneider at the American Heart Association for more information about serving as a spokesperson at 1-800-331-6889 x3631 or Jennifer.Riemen@heart.org.

October 28 - December 9, 2008 Webinar: Pulmonary Rehabilitation - The Pathologies and the Challenges Live every Tuesday at 12:00 Noon (Central) Recorded and available 24/7 for registered viewers Cost: Group discounted rate of $49.00 More information on Continuing Education page November 6, 2008 2008 UPCRA Fall Meeting St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND St. Mary's Hospital, Pierre, SD (via live satellite) Brochure and Registration Form (PDF format)