After he suffered a heart attack, Sam Wisor’s family and friends warned him to slow down, move away from the forest he loves, and stop the heavy-duty chores which were his hallmark.  

But the retired feed mill employee would hear none of it. Instead, he became devoted to rehabilitating, regaining his strength and sustaining his rugged lifestyle.  

Today, the 75-year-old still splits firewood – and a lot of it – and works on his tractor. He uses an array of large equipment to plow snow on his hilly, curvy, ½-mile driveway; mow his 5-acre lawn; and till, plant and cultivate the annual “super garden” of crops that he enjoys along with Christine, his wife of 41 years.  

Sam attributes his complete recovery from the heart attack to a steadfast commitment to rebuilding and maintaining his strength at Conemaugh Health System’s East Hills Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, located in Richland Township. 

“If I didn’t go to rehab, there’s no way we could live our lifestyle in the middle of nowhere,” said the Jenner Township resident. “Conemaugh’s rehab center has been a true blessing in so many ways. Instead of telling me what I couldn’t do, they stressed what I could do – and how I could do it. I do things now much better than before my heart attack. I didn't realize how much I had slowed down.” 

He began rehabilitation about six weeks after a Conemaugh surgeon inserted a stent to open a clogged coronary artery and restore blood flow to his heart.  

“As soon as the stent went in and I took a breath, it was like I was reborn,” Sam said.  
 
Suddenly, he had “a new lease on life” – a new life that he believes was nurtured and strengthened by twice-weekly sessions at Conemaugh’s cardiac rehab center.  

“I was a little apprehensive at first, but that only lasted about 5 minutes,” he said with a laugh. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Most important, the nurses and technicians there are excellent. They really take care of you.  Actually, they’re lifesavers.  
 
“Going to rehab isn’t like just going to a gym to exercise. You’re only competing with yourself. It’s like having a giant therapy session. I’m an old geezer, but they work me hard. It has restored my health and strength, and enables me to do everything I need to do. I really look forward to going there. I leave each time feeling great. You can’t beat it.” 

In addition to the workouts that strengthen his heart and body, Sam credits the rehab staff with providing crucial instruction on diet, nutrition, sleep habits and overall monitoring of his health. That staff comprises Kim Dishong, registered nurse (RN); Michelle Spinelli, RN; and Kylie Domonkos, exercise physiologist. 

Sam encountered a pleasantly surprising sidelight when initially visiting the Conemaugh rehab center when he spotted some friends and acquaintances who were there for the same reason – cardiac rehabilitation.  

“That immediately put me at ease. We talk about life, medications, testings and things like that. We keep tabs on each other. You get all kinds of benefits at rehab, including emotional support. It’s a very therapeutic place to go in a lot of ways.” 

Sam’s advice is simple and straightforward for those who suffer a heart attack and are confused and worried about the future.  

“Just be glad you’re alive every day. Enjoy life. Don’t dwell on the negative. Keep a positive outlook and don’t worry about things you can’t change,” he said. “Be willing to work hard in rehabilitation. You only get out of it what you’re willing to put into it. 

“Don’t think your life is over. You can recover with help from the great hospital and rehab center we have at Conemaugh. Embrace and accept the facts. Rehab is something to make your body whole again. You’ve had a heart attack. But you’ve got a lot to live for. Now, get better.”