FORT KENT — The Northern Maine Medical Center at Fort Kent will open the St. John Valley’s first cardiac rehabilitation program in the next few months, according to Executive Director Martin Bernstein.

Diane Cyr, a registered nurse and cardiac care nurse at the center, has been appointed coordinator of the cardiac program.

The program will include exercise sessions, education, counseling and learning ways to live healthier lives.

Cyr said people with heart disease, angina, heart failure or people who have had heart attacks, coronary bypass surgery or balloon catheter surgery can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation programs.

The medical center will be equipped with stationary bikes, treadmills, an arm ergometer, rower and weights. Individualized exercise prescriptions will be written by the physician director of the unit. Registered nurses with critical care experience will supervise patients in the program.

Cyr will discuss the project at two 7 p.m. Community Lecture Series programs at Fort Kent on Sept. 4 and Madawaska on Sept. 11. The sessions will be held at the medical center and the Madawaska Outpatient Center.

For more information, contact the NMMC Education Department at 834-3155, Ext. 4218.