HERMISTON, Ore.-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, an opportunity to raise awareness about pulmonary disease, while highlighting rehab teams and the benefits of rehab programs, is March 8-14.
With the addition of Pulmonologists Dr. Peter Hahn and Dr. Manmohan Biring, Good Shepherd Pulmonology in Hermiston is growing and now offers comprehensive pulmonology services, and Good Shepherd Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation treats both heart and lung disease.
According to the American Lung Association, pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of education and exercises to help people with chronic lung disease manage their conditions and breathe easier.
“Pulmonary rehabilitation is a vital part of comprehensive care for patients with lung concerns,” said Paula Hagel BS, CEP the Assistant Manager of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS).
Patients with chronic lung conditions with symptoms such as shortness of breath that interfere with their quality of life qualify for pulmonary rehab.
Qualifying conditions for pulmonary rehab include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema, Persistent asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and lung transplant.
GSHCS Pulmonology refers patients to pulmonary rehab, a program comprised of a combination of medically supervised exercise and education, designed to help patients recover and avoid future lung problems.
“Pulmonary Rehab improves strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and balance,” said Hagel. “Patients learn breathing techniques to reduce shortness of breath. All of this helps with making activities of daily living easier and improves quality of life.”
Before starting a cardiopulmonary or pulmonary rehab program, a patient’s symptoms are evaluated, and their exercise capacity and oxygen needs are assessed to tailor a rehab plan specifically to them.
“We monitor the patient’s blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rhythm each visit, and that is different from other out-patient therapy,” said Hagel. “Pulmonary Rehab also updates the pulmonologist on progress and any concerns throughout the rehab program.”
The Good Shepherd Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team is made up of six highly trained and certified staff members, including Tony Garberg, RRT, Program Department Manager, Assistant Manager Paula Hagel, Heidilyn Leavit, Thomas Hunsaker, Tammera Ontiveros, and Tia Gentner.
The Good Shepherd Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center located at 610 NW 11th Street in Hermiston is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information on the center and its services is available online or by calling 541.667.3687.
