Helene Thibodeau DNP, RN, CRRN, NEA-BC, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer of Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network, has taken on the role of Chairperson of the 2019 New Hampshire CycleNation. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, will be unveiling New Hampshire’s first-ever CycleNation on November 14 at Executive Health and Sports Center in Manchester, NH.
CycleNation is the American Stroke Association’s newest event to revolutionize brain and heart health through high-energy stationary cycling. In the U.S., heart disease and stroke remain the No. 1 and No. 5 leading causes of death, but up to 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and exercising more.
Helene knows just how devastating a stroke can be. Helene has responsibility for inpatient care at Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network’s four acute rehabilitation hospital sites in the Southern New Hampshire region – Manchester, Salem, Portsmouth and Nashua. All four sites hold disease-specific care certification in stroke from The Joint Commission.
“We can control several risk factors of stroke by managing high blood pressure, quitting smoking, eating healthy, and being physically active,” said Thibodeau. “Cycling is a great way to keep your body active and healthy.”
Cycling has been shown to strengthen heart muscles, lower resting heart rates and reduce body fat levels. CycleNation is designed to celebrate our power to transform health in America, while banding together for a high-energy, endorphin-pumping ride where everyone’s a winner.
“I’m excited to be part of the CycleNation initiative, raising funds for research and improving resources for people with cardiovascular disease,” said Thibodeau. “When stroke does occur, it is important to have the best science available for acute rehabilitation and to prevent secondary stroke. Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network is proud to join the American Stroke Association on their mission to be a relentless force in building a world of longer, healthier lives.“
Helene Thibodeau has a long history of improving care and raising awareness in New Hampshire and Massachusetts communities. She has served on committees that have developed and implemented prevention activities. To learn more about CycleNation, please visit CycleNation.org/NHManchester.