Suffering Long-Term Effects Of COVID? RWJ Somerset Offers Help

SOMERVILLE, NJ — The pandemic restrictions may be fading but the effects of the coronavirus continue to linger for those who have had COVID-19. To help those suffering, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville has launched a new Post-COVID Exercise Program.

"We are finding patients, who we have identified as 'COVID long-haulers', who suffered from the disease and 3, 6, 9 months later are having continued pulmonary issues, breathing issues, and balance issues," said Deborah Fugaro, director of rehabilitation services at RWJUH Somerset.

To help the "long-haulers" improve their strength and breathing and return to them to their pre-COVID health status, the hospital has unveiled the new Post-COVID Exercise Program. The program comprises of two 1-hour sessions per week at the hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Department in Hillsborough.

"We want to get them up and moving," said Fugaro. "Them going home and hanging out and not doing much isn't helping."

Throughout the program, the patient will work with the exercise physiologist who will monitor their progress and design an exercise program specific to their needs.

The program includes a variety of exercises including breathing exercises, low intensity on the treadmill, weights to build up strength and muscle, bicycle exercises, and low intensity on the elliptical.

"COVID-19 can have long-lasting impacts on an individuals' lung and heart functions. Even people who have had mild symptoms from COVID-19 may experience shortness of breath when trying to exercise and it could take weeks or months to get back to their normal exercise routine," said Fugaro.

All COVID patients are welcome in the program from those who have moderate to severe issues or may have been on a ventilator.

"I am very excited for the program. I think because you don't know the long-term effects and we need to offer something for these patients," said Fugaro. "They are very fearful and … we are offering them the opportunity to give them some support in a supervised environment while they recover. We want them to know we are going to help you."

The program is not covered by medical insurance. Cost is $99 per month for a total of eight sessions.

For more information about the Post-COVID Exercise Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, call 908-685-2453.

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