Our goal is to encourage pulmonary members to make behavioral changes that will lead to improved health by making them active participants in their own health care. A registered nurse and other health specialists are available to assist each member in making a safe and steady progression toward this objective. The focus of the program is to meet members individual needs and goals.
The first step toward improving fitness levels is the evaluation, which measures exercise tolerance. People with COPD develop progressive dyspnea (difficulty breathing) on exertion. This is the primary reason for their limited exercise tolerance. Exercise tolerance is evaluated with a walking test. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and ECG are monitored during the test. During the walking test, the client is asked to rate breathlessness and muscle fatigue. Measurements obtained from this test are used to determine the starting point of the exercise program. The goal is for each client to eventually achieve 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity.
The Pulmonary Fitness program is designed specifically for individuals with any form of pulmonary disease, including:
- COPD
- Emphysema
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Other
The advantages to participating in the Pulmonary Fitness program are:
- Monitoring of baseline, peak and post oxygen saturation levels and heart rate
- Individual medical consultation and intervention if necessary
- Oxygen available in the case of an emergency
- Upper and lower body muscular strengthening
- CPR and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified personnel
- Social support
- Better Breathers support group
Registered nurses and exercise physiologists assist each rehab member during their exercise sessions.
Requirements/Specifics:
- A prescription is recommended from your physician to participate in this program.
- Pulmonary participants are charged a monthly fee. The cost of the program may be covered by your insurance. To determine this, please contact your insurance carrier. You will be responsible for filing with your insurance company if it is determined the program will be covered.
- The rehab staff will perform a low level exercise tolerance test before the rehabilitation program begins. The results of this test are used to determine initial exercise prescription.
- Each participant is encouraged to attend three times per week.
- Education classes are included and family members are encouraged to attend. The staff will inform you of the schedule at the time you start your program.
Pulmonary Exercise Schedule
For your convenience, classes meet five days a week at the following times:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
We strongly recommend that you attend at least three times per week to fully benefit from this program.