BRADFORD, PA — At Bradford Medical Park (BMP), formerly Bradford Regional Medical Center, one rehabilitation program has been helping patients regain their strength, improve their health and return to the lives they love for decades. For one local family, that commitment has spanned two generations.

For 92-year-old Ralph Schiappa of Lewis Run, PA, Upbeat Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation has been part of his daily routine for the past 21 years. After open-heart surgery, Ralph enrolled in the program to rebuild his strength. More than two decades later, he still arrives each weekday morning with the same goal which is to keep moving, stay healthy and enjoy life.

“Being 92 years old, Upbeat gives me the opportunity to stay moving, be alert, stay healthy and keep living,” Ralph said. “Since my open-heart surgery, it has helped me stay active and enjoy my life. I get up every Monday through Friday and come to Upbeat. It gives me the motivation to stay healthy and stay alive. I love it.”

Today, Ralph isn’t the only member of his family benefiting from the program. His son, Stephen Schiappa, and daughter-in-law, Brenda Schiappa, Bradford, PA, have been participating in Upbeat for the past three years, making cardiac wellness a family commitment.

“We feel stronger, more active and healthier because of Upbeat,” Stephen said. “It’s helped us build our strength and endurance while teaching us how to better maintain our health.”

For the Schiappa family, the program has become much more than supervised exercise.

“Watching my 92-year-old father come to Upbeat every day for the last 21 years has been incredible,” Stephen said. “It’s what is keeping him alive.”

Located on the ground floor of Bradford Medical Park, Upbeat Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation continues to provide comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation and physician-referred wellness programs in a safe, supportive environment. Patients recovering from heart attacks, bypass surgery, heart failure, valve replacement, COPD and other cardiac and pulmonary conditions receive individualized exercise plans, education and ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving long-term health.

Unlike a traditional fitness center, Upbeat combines medically supervised exercise with education on nutrition, medications, stress management, smoking cessation and heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Every exercise prescription is tailored to the individual patient’s needs and monitored by experienced healthcare professionals.

“Our goal is to help patients regain their strength, improve their confidence and safely return to the activities they enjoy most,” said Jason Nuzzo, manager, Upbeat. “Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation is about much more than exercise. It’s about giving people the tools, personalized care, education and encouragement they need to live healthier lives while providing the support that helps them stay motivated long after they’ve completed rehabilitation.”

That support is something the Schiappa family says has made all the difference.

“Jason and Melissa are always professional, encouraging and genuinely care about every person who walks through the door,” Brenda Schiappa said. “They’ve become good friends and make everyone feel welcome. Knowing they’re here every day gives us confidence that we’re exercising safely.”

Ralph agrees, “The staff is outstanding,” he said. “Jason and Melissa show concern, respect and professionalism for my health and well-being.”

The Upbeat team are long-time employees that are there to help support individuals meet their goals. Jason Nuzzo, MS, clinical supervisor of Upbeat, is a life-long resident of Bradford who has been with the organization since 1999. Melissa Cook, an exercise physiologist, started in 2002.

Stories like the Schiappas’ demonstrate why maintaining cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services is important.

“Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation changes lives,” said Bradley J. Chapman, president, Olean General Hospital. “It helps patients recover after major cardiac events, manage chronic lung disease, reduce the risk of future health complications and regain the confidence to return to everyday life. Just as importantly, it provides these services close to home, where patients can recover alongside the people and community they know.”

Beyond the physical benefits, participants say Upbeat has created a community built on encouragement and friendship.

“It’s a great place to exercise, visit with friends and socialize,” added Ralph. 

Upbeat also extends beyond traditional cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation by creating a welcoming, non-intimidating environment for individuals looking to improve their overall health through guided exercise. The program offers a comfortable atmosphere where participants encourage one another, celebrate milestones, understand and have gone through similar life challenges and build friendships that make fitness enjoyable. Upbeat participates with several wellness benefit programs, including SilverSneakers®, Silver&Fit® and Renew Active®, allowing many eligible members through Highmark, UPMC, select Aetna plans, AARP and UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans to take advantage of supervised exercise opportunities.

Chapman continued, “Upbeat not only improves individuals physically, but there is a community connectiveness and support that improves mental health as well. Our Upbeat team, although small, have had a mighty impact on so many from our local community.”

For the Schiappa family, the message is simple.

“If someone is hesitant about cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, we’d tell them to come,” Stephen said. “You’ll gain strength, improve your health and become part of a caring community. It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself while supporting a local service that means so much to so many!”

Upbeat Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation continues to serve patients in Bradford, helping individuals recover, rebuild and live healthier lives. Through personalized care, expert guidance and lasting relationships, the program continues to demonstrate that quality rehabilitation services remain available close to home for the Bradford community. Upbeat is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about Upbeat Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation or to learn whether you may be eligible for the program, contact 814-362-8426 or visit brmc-ogh.org.

Other outpatient services that Bradford Medical Park continues to provide in Bradford are primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, cardiology, orthopaedics and sports medicine, general surgery, urology, medical oncology for new patient consultations, pain management and physical medicine rehabilitation, laboratory blood draw, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., occupational health services and radiology/imaging services including mammography, ultrasound, x-ray and DEXA services, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..