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In 2016, Joe Campbell had a heart attack. He had smoked for 43 years. Now he’s been tobacco free for almost 10 years, but the damage was done. After decades of smoking, Joe has a pacemaker and six stints in his heart: but that hasn’t stopped him from moving forward.
From the Cardiologist to Phase III
At one of Joe’s cardiology appointments, Dr. Panossian heard whistling in his lungs. Joe had COPD and emphysema and was sent to the pulmonary rehab program. “[Dr. Panossian] said I got lucky because I caught it and took care of it. I smoked for too long, that was my problem, and now I pay for it” said Joe.
Joe spent three months in the pulmonary rehab program then graduated to the phase III program. The phase III program helps patients make sustainable lifestyle changes by providing a free Harbor Isles membership for life and ongoing exercise support with Sky Lakes respiratory therapists. Patients choose when they use the gym but are encouraged to go twice a week.
A lifestyle Change with Obvious Benefits
“Before the program, my mailbox was about a quarter of a mile away. By the time I would walk up there and back, I was winded. After going through the rehab and the fitness center, I had more energy. I’m able to walk more without getting winded.”
On Halloween 2025, Joe went trick-or-treating with his granddaughter and was able to walk around for two hours before needing to rest. “Its given me more stamina, I’m breathing better. I feel better. I feel pretty great,” said Joe.
Exercise Helps More Than Your Physical Health
Joe was nervous to start the phase III program more than a year ago, but now he’s a regular and looks forward to going to the gym. He said the employees are welcoming and he has friends at the gym. For Joe, it’s more than taking care of his physical health. He also does it for his mental health “I need to do it so I can maintain my health, and my sanity. I live alone and I don’t get out much. It’s good for me to get out socialize and be a part of something.”
Joe Keeps Moving Forward for His health
Joe considers himself lucky that Medicare covered pulmonary rehab for him. He acknowledges that pulmonary rehab programs can be expensive and has a message for those who still smoke: Don’t wait until you need medical intervention to take care of your heart and lungs, “even if you don’t do a program, start going to the gym. Cigarettes are twelve dollars a pack; that’s month’s membership at planet fitness. Quit buying the cigarettes and take care of yourself.”
Joe calls himself the Energizer Bunny, because his heart keeps ticking, and he keeps going. Joe is motivated to stick with the program and stay healthy; his goal is to see his granddaughters graduate “I have to think about my family. My dad and grandfather had heart problems. I’ve got mine and I’m taking care of it.”
Thinking about going to the gym?
Harbor Isles features top-of-the-line equipment, full- service personal training, and an array of group exercise classes. Plus, use your membership at more than 80 health clubs in the Pacific Northwest or over 6,000 clubs internationally. Ask for details.
