Exercise Can Help Ease Breathing
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Chronic lung issues that leave you short of breath, such as COPD and asthma, can leave you feeling anxious and wondering if you can exercise or even complete daily tasks like carrying the laundry or mowing the lawn. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help teach you how to be more in control of your breathing so you can build your strength, increase your energy and endurance, and reduce shortness of breath. Pulmonary rehab also helps you learn how to safely exercise—which is critical to your overall health.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Penn Highlands includes education, exercise, training and support specifically designed for people with chronic lung conditions. Our educational program consists of a series of classes and videos designed to provide information about your condition and answer any questions that you may have.
Some of the topics we cover are:
- Breathing techniques to reduce shortness of breath
- Medications for your pulmonary condition
- Panic control when you get short of breath
- Smoking cessation
- When to call your doctor for help
- How to prepare for travel
The exercise portion offers medically supervised exercise training to improve your lung function during physical activities. While exercising under our supervision, we monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Each participant’s exercise program is individualized. We start slowly and progress gradually so you can safely work at your own pace.
Our staff consists of licensed and specially trained respiratory therapists, registered nurses, and exercise physiologists. You’ll also receive education and support from occupational therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, and psychologists.
Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
In addition to helping you have fewer doctor and emergency room visits, participating in a pulmonary rehab program can help you feel less anxious and more confident about who and when to call for assistance, how much physical activity is too much for you, and how to live and travel safely with a chronic lung condition.
The exercise portion of the program helps you build your endurance and experience less shortness of breath when performing daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, shopping, playing with your grandkids, showering/bathing, and exercising.
Our dietitians and psychologists also offer assistance and support with losing or gaining weight, quitting smoking.
Who is a candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation?
You could benefit from pulmonary rehab if you have a chronic lung condition that causes you to get short of breath or tired when you try to do any physical activity, including walking up a flight of stairs or doing household chores. You are also a candidate if you are preparing for or recovering from a recent lung surgery or if you have:
- Asthma
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis)
- Bronchiectasis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Interstitial lung disease
- Any chronic pulmonary condition
Penn Highlands Mon Valley Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to help individuals suffering from heart and/or lung disease achieve a higher quality of life through exercise and education, while improving their mental and physical health.
Penn Highlands Brookville Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to help individuals suffering from lung disease achieve a higher quality of life through exercise and education, while improving their mental and physical health.
Penn Highlands DuBois Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to help individuals suffering from lung disease achieve a higher quality of life through exercise and education, while improving their mental and physical health.
Penn Highlands Huntingdon Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to help individuals suffering from lung disease achieve a higher quality of life through exercise and education, while improving their mental and physical health.
