Talk to your doctor to see if pulmonary rehabilitation is right for you. Your decision to participate in pulmonary rehabilitation can make a difference in your overall health.
For questions or more information call 814-467-3782.
You may be eligible to have your post COVID-19 pulmonary rehabilitation covered by Medicare.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber is accredited through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The program is recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care. Accredited AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is an outpatient program consisting of exercise, nutrition, support, and education. The program teaches you about your lungs, how to exercise with less shortness of breath, how to eat healthier and “live” better with your lung disease. The sessions are held 2-3 days a week for approximately 1 hour. Your care may involve your physician, a respiratory therapist, an exercise physiologist, and a dietician. During each session you will be monitored to insure safety and be guided as you build strength and endurance. This service is covered by most insurance.
Any person with a chronic lung disease can benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation. Examples of chronic lung conditions:
Decreased exercise tolerance and functional impairment are common consequences of chronic lung disease. Exercise will help you be more active with less shortness of breath. You will be exercising both your arms and legs. The exercise will help you to feel better and become stronger which can help you to be more independent. Exercise overtime can make walking and stair climbing easier.
By participating in education you will learn many things about your lung disease. Examples of educational topics include: what is wrong with your lungs, proper breathing techniques, proper use of medications, signs and symptoms of an infection, when to call your doctor, energy conservation, oxygen safety, and smoking cessation. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help reduce the number and length of hospital stays and increases your chances of living a longer healthier life. Individuals with chronic lung disease often have significant alterations in nutritional status and body composition. Pulmonary rehabilitation provides individuals with consults with a registered dietician to help maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Individuals with chronic lung disease may experience fear and anxiety in anticipation of, and in association with, episodes of shortness of breath. It also produces an overall feeling of helplessness, withdrawal, and nervousness. Pulmonary rehabilitation provides support from others suffering from the same disease and therapists who understand what they are feeling.
