Pulmonary Rehabilitation
What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is strongly recommended for most people with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) as it teaches them how to breathe easier and live better with COPD.
PR includes supervised exercise classes and education sessions, and has been proven to significantly improve: shortness of breath, exercise endurance, quality of life, and the risk of hospitalizations following an exacerbation of lung disease (the Canadian Thoracic Society, 2008 COPD Recommendations).
Rehabilitation programs teach you breathing techniques that help you get the most out of each breath. They also teach you how to exercise, and give you a chance to practice with a group of people who also have COPD (Ontario Lung Association, 2011).
What will I learn at these sessions?
To help patients with COPD (and their families) better manage their disease, The Living Well with COPD TM curriculum has been developed. This self-management education program includes information about:
- nutrition
- exercise and activity
- medications
- energy management
- other important issues related to managing COPD
Patients who attend this program will receive:
- an in-depth assessment of their disease
- education about their disease
- a customized exercise plan developed by a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
The education and course materials will enable patients to continue practicing what they learn, at home.
How do I register?
Your Barrie and Community Family Health Team Physician or Nurse Practitioner may refer you to our Lung Health Program. A respirology referral and a confirmed diagnosis of lung disease are required prior to registration.
Additional Information
All of our classes are covered by OHIP and are free of charge.