Lung Health

Lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), emphysema, asthma, lung cancer and other illnesses, can be very disabling. Because the disease causes shortness of breath and fatigue, it often interferes with your ability to carry out even the simplest daily tasks. Lung disease cannot be reversed, but patients can achieve a more active, rewarding and productive lifestyle through pulmonary (lung) rehabilitation, and we can help.

Baptist Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation program has been in operation since 1983, and is a medically supervised program designed to improve the physical, psychological and social functioning and overall quality of life for pulmonary patients.

Baptist Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation is AACVPR-Certified

Since 1998, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) has certified programs to recognize programs that were meeting the standards put forth in the published Guidelines for Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program of Baptist Health has met these strict standards and has been awarded certification through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

What can the pulmonary rehabilitation program do for me?

The pulmonary rehabilitation program at Baptist Health helps patients reach their highest level of exercise and activity, while developing self-management skills. Our comprehensive approach combines patient education, exercise, and emotional and social support.

Baptist's pulmonary rehabilitation program uses a two-pronged approach of education and exercise tailored to meet patients' individual needs.

• Individual and group settings provide patients and their family members with an overview of lung disease and how to manage it. The patient is re-trained in proper breathing techniques, as well as good nutrition and positive health habits to promote a new outlook on life.
• Physical conditioning is important for patients to increase their strength and endurance while controlling shortness of breath. The rehab team prescribes an individual exercise plan for each participant based on his/her screening and evaluations, goals and physician recommendations. Throughout the program, team members monitor each individual's progress by checking heart rates and oxygen saturation levels.

Who is involved in my care plan?

Our board-certified pulmonologist medical director leads the program and works with a team of professionals including the referring (primary) physician, rehabilitation coordinator, exercise physiologist, respiratory therapist and others. The team contributes to the overall well-being of the patient and teaches them to optimally care for themselves in home and work environments. Team monitoring is available by visit and in the event of emergency medical treatment, alleviating fear and encouraging patients to step into their personal best for breathing improvements and physical functioning.

A physician's referral is necessary to enter the pulmonary rehabilitation program.