The Pulmonary Rehab team at CMH includes (L to R): Bret Ralston, Lead Exercise Physiologist, Chad Rankin, Certified Athletic Trainer, Mandi Roe, CSR, Anne Messina-Foster, RRT and COPD Educator, Jessica Spencer, RRT, Tiffany Johnson, Exercise Physiologist, and Jenny Wohosky, RN. Not pictured are Dr. Keri Brown, Medical Director, Lori Davis, RRT and Department Manager, as well as social workers, pharmacists and registered dietitians who are part of our multidisciplinary team.
March 8, 2020
By Anne Messina-Foster, RRT, COPD Educator, CMH Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab
It’s National Pulmonary Rehab Week!
Pulmonary Rehab (PR) is an outpatient, monitored and supervised exercise program for folks who struggle with ongoing chronic breathing issues. If you’re living with a chronic lung function, simple activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, can be a real struggle. This is where PR comes in. PR can help improve your quality of life and your ability to function. It is a formal program that will help build your fitness and help you breathe as well as you possibly can.
By participating in PR at CMH, you will likely be:
The PR team at CMH will evaluate your individual needs during your first visit. The team will make a specific plan based on your current physical capacity. This plan will improve your endurance and muscle strength and will include lower body, upper body and strength training exercises. Your vital signs are continuously monitored each visit. Nutritional counseling may be recommended if you weigh too much or too little, as both conditions can cause problems with your breathing. A dietitian will work with you to help plan healthy meals that meet your needs.
To join the program at CMH, you will need a referral from your doctor, as well as a chronic lung disease diagnosis, such as COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Asthma and many others. Most insurances cover the cost of PR. Our friendly team can help assess if you qualify! Contact CMH Pulmonary Rehab at 503-338-4052 or toll free at 800-962-2407.
