Outpatient Pulmonary Health
and Rehabilitation Program
Program features
Program Benefits
- Do more things you enjoy.
- Improve strength, endurance and independence
- Do daily activities with less shortness of breath
- Understand symptoms and medications
- Fewer trips to the hospital and doctor
- Relax and not panic at shortness of breath
- Obtain answers to healthcare questions
- Set and meet realistic goals
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An evaluation
Patients with cardiac co-morbidity are referred for a graded exercise
test, supervised by a cardiologist.
Exercise sessions
Prescribed exercise will help you to increase endurance, strength and flexibility. You may walk, ride a stationary bike, or do exercises in a chair. You will be taught stretches to do before and after exercise. You may also use weights to build strength. We may check your pulse, heart rate and oxygen levels during exercise.
Educational/support sessions
We will provide information on how the lungs work and how your lung problems affect your breathing, in addition to the following topics:
- Energy conservation
- Pursed lip and diaphrammatic breathing
- Modification of ADLs
- Anxiety reduction
- Cardiopulmonary disease processes
- Nutrition and weight management
- Dealing with anger
- Using humor effectively
- Proper use of MDIs
Groups generate topics of interest and guest speakers are invited.
Medication and equipment education
We will provide information on how and when to take medications properly and how to use oxygen if it is prescribed.
Breathing techniques
We will teach you how to control shortness of breath, including pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing.
Daily living skills
We'll show you how to pace yourself during daily tasks. This will give you more energy and help you do more during your daily activities.
In addition, program graduates can participate in a maintenance program to continue
therapy beyond the original 8-week sessions.
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