Wallpaper Wall Murals Create Motivational Environments In Rehab Facilities, Hospitals and Other Wellness Centers

Staffing, Equipment and Environment All Work Together to Treat the Patient and the Person

Johnston Health Cardiopulmonary Rehab Brightens (And Strengthens) Hearts, Lungs and Minds

Smithfield, NC – Johnston Health, part of the UNC Health Care hospital system, has moved its cardiopulmonary rehab into a newly up-fitted space at the north end of Johnston Medical Mall across from the main campus on Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield.

Until mid-September, the rehab had operated inside HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center, which anchors the south end of the medical mall. The new digs are about four times the size of the old space, and now have a store front visible from Brightleaf Boulevard.

If you didn’t know it was a rehab, you might think it was one of the nicer health clubs you’ve visited. Among the updates are a walking track, flat screen monitors and televisions, and décor meant to be soothing and uplifting.

Referred by their physicians, patients are prescribed time on treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes to improve respiratory function and/or to stop or reverse the progression of cardiovascular disease. As they work out, patients also see improvements in their mental and social functioning.

“Rather than focusing on ailments, we look at the whole person,” says Melissa Speas, clinical coordinator for cardiopulmonary rehab. “It’s critical to have the right equipment and medical personnel, and to also create an environment that fosters well-being and encourages patients to come back session after session.”

Aside from the new floors, bright walls and large windows, the rehab’s environment has a fun and welcoming feel, thanks to wall murals and other wall coverings from local Smithfield business, Magic Murals. The company is a leader in the mural printing industry and has worked with major hospitals, medical centers and doctor’s offices across the country.

“We always welcome the opportunity to work with our local hospital,” said Mike Fleming, lifelong Smithfield resident and owner of Magic Murals. “We enjoy being involved in the process, and to know that our work will have a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors.”

The main exercise room features a large, printed wall mural of a sunset at an Outer Banks beach. There are also decals with motivational sayings such as, “The body achieves what the mind believes,” and “Strive for progress, not perfection.”

One of the most popular installations is the “Share your thoughts with us…” wall that features an oversized bonsai-looking tree and encourages patients to leave messages of their own. The mural is covered with a dry erase laminate so it can be re-used over and over.

“The dry erase wall has been extremely positive for our patients,” Speas says. “We don’t allow them to share their thoughts until the day they graduate from the program. So they all look forward to leaving their message on the last day.”

By the time they graduate, many of the patients have formed strong bonds. “They get concerned if someone within the group doesn’t show up,” Speas says. “Many of them tell us they don’t want to graduate and leave because they love the program so much.”

Jim Brinkley of Roseboro says rehab has made a difference.  “I have enjoyed the new facility, including the positive messages throughout the room. It has been a motivational experience for me,” he says. “The program has totally changed my outlook.”

Isaac George of Smithfield echoed the sentiments of all of the patients at rehab on the morning before Thanksgiving.  “Everything with the program is perfect,” he says. “They’ve really made it a pleasure to be here.”

About Johnston Health

Johnston Health is the health care system serving Johnston County. It operates acute care hospitals in Smithfield and Clayton, which are licensed for a combined 199 beds. Since February 2014, Johnston Health has been part of UNC Health Care.

About Magic Murals, LLC

Magic Murals, a leader in the large print and wallpaper wall mural printing industry, creates all of their custom-sized wall murals out of their facility in Smithfield, North Carolina. This American, family-owned business serves corporate, medical, interior decorator and residential customers across the U.S. and around the world. Magic Murals allows anyone to create large, custom-sized wall prints and wallpaper wall murals from their own digital images or from their collection of 10,000-plus curated images. Customers can find them at:https://www.magicmurals.com.