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What Can Pulmonary Rehabilitation Do for You?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a treatment program for patients with chronic respiratory disease. COPD, emphysema, asthma, asthmatic and chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis are some of the main diseases that can be treated. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a combination of services for patients and their families. It involves a variety of specialists who work together toward the end result of maximum independent functioning for the patient.

The goals include: diminished symptoms, lower level of disability, elevated physical and social participation, and general improvement in quality of living. The family is involved in the educational and physical interventions and assessments during pulmonary rehabilitation.

There are inpatient, outpatient, and home-care settings for pulmonary rehabilitation. The choice depends on insurance, financial concerns, proximity to treatment center, and patient comfort level. The family should make the decision together. Once a setting has been selected, a team of doctors and specialists will be assembled to meet the individual needs of the particular patient.

Exercise is the first component of treatment. Physical activity will not repair the underlying ailment, but will improve the outcome of daily life functions. Endurance training is a steady workout of approximately 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Interval training is an option that alternates intense activity with equal periods of rest, following the same weekly schedule. Walking and using a stationary bike are the most common activities.

Educational programs are key in pulmonary rehabilitation. Patients and their families will learn how to simplify daily tasks to conserve energy. The educational portion will also include information on the proper use of medications and therapy including inhalers and oxygen tanks. Preparations for respiratory failure and end-of-life decisions will also be discussed. Patients and family should be prepared for any choices they will have to make regarding future medical treatment as symptoms worsen and quality of life decreases.

Anxiety and depression are associated with pulmonary disease. A good pulmonary rehabilitation program will provide counseling in this area. Patients will learn breathing and relaxation techniques and explore possible medication in extreme cases of depression. Even proper posture can be taught, which may lead to emotional improvements.

More than 15 million people were diagnosed with pulmonary disease last year. Through pulmonary rehabilitation those sufferers can achieve a higher quality of life. Improved breathing, decreased symptoms, and more independence are the results of high quality rehabilitation programs.

Sources:

CDC

Medscape

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About HCA East Florida

Building a Healthy Community -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In communities across South Florida and the Treasure Coast, more than 12,000 of your neighbors, friends and colleagues are committed to building a Healthy Community – a community with dedicated neighborhood groups, active little leagues, charities helping those in need, firstclass institutions that contribute to the overall well-being of the community, and businesses committed to making the communities they serve a better place. A National Presence -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HCA’s roots date back to the 1960s when Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr. led a group of physicians to build a hospital in Nashville,Tennessee. Close to four decades of hard work and dedication have made HCA – Hospital Corporation of America – the nation’s leading provider of quality healthcare services, with locally managed facilities that include approximately 191 hospitals and 82 outpatient surgery centers in 23 states, England and Switzerland. In Florida, there are 40 hospitals and 28 surgery centers, three division offices, and multiple other service facilities affiliated with HCA that employ close to 40,000 individuals. HCA affiliated facilities in East Florida are a part of a quality healthcare network in East Florida and the Treasure Coast with 12 affiliated hospitals, 12 surgery centers, one integrated regional lab and one consolidated service center. Together, the network employs more than 12,500 individuals and has close to 6,000 physicians on staff. A Commitment to Excellence -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hospitals have become the front line of healthcare in our country, creating demands never seen before. Technology, a growing and ever-changing part of healthcare, has pushed the boundaries of how care is provided and the expectations of those receiving care. Providing high quality and cost effective healthcare requires a constant upgrade of our facilities and the technology within the facilities. Whether it is an expanded Emergency Room or the latest imaging technology, our commitment to excellence is unwavering. Excellence is achieved when excellence is expected. HCA affiliated East Florida hospitals expect and are committed to excellence. A Clear Vision -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HCA’s corporate mission and values statement says it best: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. In recognition of this commitment, we strive to deliver high quality, cost effective healthcare in the communities we serve. HCA East Florida and its 12 affiliate hospitals are proud to be living up to that commitment. Recognized Leaders -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The benchmark for quality and leadership is found in the men and women who make up HCA East Florida network of hospitals. It is the caring touch of a physician, the friendly smile of a volunteer, the compassion of a nurse, the professionalism of a technician or the willingness to help of an office clerk. It is the excellence of the individual that has made HCA affiliated hospitals in East Florida recognized leaders in the communities they serve. HCA’s affiliate hospitals consistently appear among the Top 100 Hospitals and receive outstanding ratings from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. They receive 5 star ratings from Healthgrades, Inc. and recognition from the Leapfrog Group for Patient Safety. More importantly, our patient and physician satisfaction surveys consistently prove that the HCA affiliated East Florida hospitals are recognized leaders in the delivery of quality healthcare. The 12 HCA East Florida affiliate hospitals provided in excess of $ 800 million in care to the neediest without any compensation. In addition, we have implemented a comprehensive charitable care policy that provides financial relief to more of our charity patients and needs-based discounts to uninsured patients. One of the biggest challenges faced by the healthcare industry is the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, especially Registered Nurses. Recognizing the challenge, we established scholarship programs at Palm Beach Community College, Broward Community College, Miami Dade College and Florida International University. The active involvement of HCA affiliated hospitals in the community will continue through our support of major initiatives as well as our active leadership and participation in a variety of organizations that promote the social and economic wellbeing of our community and embrace our cultural diversity. If an initiative or organization is looking to build a Healthy Community, you’re likely to find someone from an HCA affiliated East Florida hospital actively involved. “Healthy Community - A Community Initiative of the East Florida hospitals affiliated with HCA.” The terms “HCA” or the “Company” as used herein refer to HCA Inc. and its affiliates, unless otherwise stated or indicated by context. The terms “facilities,” “hospitals,” “medical centers,” “surgery centers” and “affiliates” refer to entities owned or operated by subsidiaries or affiliates of HCA Inc. References herein to “HCA employees” or to “our employees” refer to employees of affiliates or subsidiaries of HCA Inc.
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