Long Island Hospital Bans Debates on Politics to Protect Heart Patients

If you feel like this presidential election campaign is making you ill, you are not alone. For cardiac patients in one Long Island hospital, officials have actually put a rule into place to protect their health through this election cycle: no heated political debates in the rehabilitation gym.

That’s correct, the manager of Southampton Hospital’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation gym was forced to place a bright pink sign with large black capital letters in the gym that reads, “Due to the fact that we have patients with heart conditions we cannot allow political debates in the gym.” The need for the sign came about after patients complained of the stress involved with having to listen to others argue over the presidential candidates. The gym in the cardio rehab unit is for patients recovering from heart surgery and have been diagnosed with heart disease. TVs are often tuned to 24-hour news channels to help pass the time, but arguments stemming from the content is not good for those with heart problems.

The gym’s manager explains that stress increases blood pressure and heart rate, both of which can be dangerous for anyone who has suffered a heart attack or been diagnosed with other cardiac issues. Many patients complained they did not want to be forced to listen to people with opposing views go back and forth at each other. They are not the only ones. The American Psychological Association found that more than 50% of adults across the country find this year’s election a, “very or somewhat significant form of stress.”

Thankfully, the incidents of arguments and debates in the hospital gym were non-existent once the sign went up. Patients have still been able to discuss politics, just in a calm and civilized manner. The sign is expected to come down once the election is over, provided that ends in a calm and civilized manner as well.

It is refreshing to see a hospital be proactive in safeguarding the health of its patients. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you or a family member or friend has been the victim of medical malpractice while in a hospital, please contact the experienced and compassionate attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C., today.