Health & Fitness
National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week is March 11—17
National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week March 11—17, learn about the prevention of lung disease & how pulmonary rehabilitation enhances the quality of life for those who struggle to take a breath.
National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week is March 11—17, is a perfect time to learn about the prevention of lung disease and the role that pulmonary rehabilitation plays in enhancing the quality of life for those who struggle to take a breath. Most of us don’t think much about breathing; it happens automatically.
Symptoms like shortness of breath, tightness in your chest or even getting more colds than usual could be an indication of–chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a term used to describe lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States.
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According to the American Lung Association over 13 million people are diagnosed with COPD, but an additional 12 million may have the disease and do not even know it! “If shortness of breath is becoming a ‘way of life’ you should seek a medical diagnosis! An evaluation of your lung status and a referral to Pulmonary Rehab may be the path to better breathing.” States Rosie Jeretina, RN,MSN, Supervisor Cardiac-Pulmonary Rehab.
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COPD can interfere with daily activities making it difficult to perform simple tasks. Many COPD cases are related to smoking, but it is not the only cause. Second-hand smoke, air pollution and genetics can cause COPD. There isn’t a cure for COPS but almost always treatable. Your physician may treat COPD with medication, but often times the combination of exercise, nutritional advice, education, and support offered by a pulmonary rehab program is the component that helps the patient stay active and learn to breathe in different ways.
Danielle Rumachik, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RTT) and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, has experienced Pulmonary Rehab being beneficial not only physically but also emotionally. She recalls a patient who was unable to enjoy his hobby because he could not get down the stairs to where his supplies were located. After participating in Pulmonary Rehab he learned to manage the stairs with proper breathing techniques and was able to resume the hobby that had given him so much pleasure.
For more information about Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, go to www.advocatehealth.com/gshp or call 1-800-3ADVOCATE.
About Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Advocate Good Shepherd in Barrington, Illinois is a 169-bed acute care hospital with more than 700 physicians representing 50 medical specialties. It is part of Advocate Health Care, named one of the Top Ten hospital systems in the U.S. by Thomson-Reuters. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital is ranked highest in Illinois for quality and patient safety according to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s 2011 Blue Star Report™. Advocate is a faith-based organization that exists to serve its communities. In 2010, Advocate provided more than $474,000,000 in charity care and services to its communities. For more about Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital: www.advocatehealth.com/goodshep