Those who regularly participate in The Center for Living Well program at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center hope to avoid medical complications that could lead to overnight hospital stays.

The center's wellness program includes classes on health care prevention and exercise in a small, well-equipped gym. Many join the program as a result of a heart attack or other cardiac incident; others are referred by physicians because of pulmonary problems.

While it's not free, Medicare or other insurance covers the cardiac and pulmonary patients for a period of time. Many patients then decide to continue participation on their own for a nominal fee. The general public, who also must have a doctor's referral, pay an initial or registration fee, plus a monthly fee that includes daily use of the gym (except Sunday) and all classes. Massage and acupuncture sessions also are available as part of the program.

Hospital Communications Manager Arturo Delgado said the center is one of St. Vincent's "hidden gems."

An exercise program is tailored to each participant by clinical exercise physiologists and is overseen by respiratory therapists, registered nurses, health fitness instructors and clinical dietitians.

"It's an all-encompassing program; one that you won't find in most gyms," said Jesse Whitla, an exercise physiologist. "The program is geared to empowering participants to take care of themselves. At the same time, we develop a sense of community, or family, in the gym in that we look out for each other."

Mabel Silva, 54, of Las Vegas, N.M., who recently finished the prescribed Medicare-covered cardiac rehabilitation program, said she would continue her exercise program, "but I'll have to look for something in Las Vegas. Driving to Santa Fe three times a week is hard for my daughter who has driven me for the past six weeks.

"This is a great program, and the staff is really encouraging. They made something I hate to do (exercise) fun," Silva said.

"I think it's a wonderful program ... and inspiring," said Jody Ellis, 83. "You find you want to get better ... because of the support of staff, other patients and the overall program.

"I fought it (exercise) at first, but ... a heart attack is quite an experience when you realize that your life is changed forever. My time in the gym is a time of healing. I hated the heart attack, but I enjoy the gym and wellness program," Ellis said.

Jim Cunningham, 79, joined the program a year ago after triple bypass surgery. His insurance no longer covers it, but he says the nominal costs are more than worth it. "I've made a lot of new friends here. Coming to the gym is a good way to meet people and keep up on the news. It's a nice environment, and the excellent staff knows what they're doing. ... It's helpful, too, that they're bilingual."

"Exercise is tiring, but I know it's good for me. It's become a habit, a good habit," acknowledged Stella Tohl, 76, who was referred to the program in 1998 for pulmonary rehab.

Barton Ingraham, 79, and Raphael Edgar, 77, were referred to the cardiac-rehab program several years ago and continue the program on their own. They mentioned a fellow "gym rat," who's now 83 and has been coming to the gym for 14 years. The Center for Living Well program is 15 years old.

"I'll be here until I keel over," Ingraham proclaimed.

"A really good day is when someone comes in and says, 'my back doesn't hurt anymore because of the stretches and other exercises you recommended,' " said Marcia Dunn, fitness instructor. "The real surprise is that anyone can join the program with just a doctor's referral. You don't need a specific medical problem or diagnosis ... just a desire to feel better, stay healthy and live longer."

Gustav Kocsis, a chef and cardiac-rehab participant in the program, works with Clinical Dietitian Sarah Falion demonstrating healthy recipes and providing samples for everyone present.

"This program is fantastic and very holistic in its approach," Kocsis said. "No health club can provide this kind of information and experience, although they charge a lot more for their services."

Bill Mickschl, clinical exercise physiologist, and Dalia Davila, medical office assistant, said they look forward to the day when the program is able to expand, in terms of space, equipment and services.

"We could use a whole building dedicated to health and wellness," Davila said. "It's amazing what we're able to do with what we have."

Mickschl noted that the program has "great potential. It's well run, with a terrific staff. Christus St. Vincent's has a unique opportunity to develop a state-of-the-art facility in Northern New Mexico that would support our key focus: health care prevention."

For more information about the Center for Living Well and how to apply, call 820-5549 or your doctor.