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Spring is just around the corner. It's time to get out and shake winter
off. But for some people, just getting around the house is enough of an
effort. For those with breathing difficulties, emphysema, asthma or chronic
bronchitis any activity may seem like more trouble than it's worth.
Ten percent of the population suffers from chronic lung disease. It is
in fact, the fourth leading killer in the United States. But there is
help for those with the disease. Carondelet Health offers pulmonary rehabilitation
at St. Mary's Hospital of Blue Springs and Saint Joseph Health Center.
The programs last eight weeks, two days a week. The focus is on evaluation,
education and exercise. "We want people to know that they can improve
their quality of life," says Tracy Brammeier, certified respiratory therapist,
at St. Mary's Hospital. "In years past, people would come to us only as
a last resort. Now, doctors and patients are realizing there is a great
benefit to getting into a pulmonary rehab program earlier."
Leonard Petersen of Blue Springs is a believer in the benefits of the
program. He started pulmonary rehabilitation two years ago and now continues
in a maintenance exercise program. "Before I started, my breathing was
terrible. I've really seen improvement. You know, you dread coming here
(and exercising) but when you leave it's worth it. You feel better all
day."
Petersen says he's developed friendships with others in the maintenance
group. "It's really a nice group," says Petersen. "It's like a family
gathering. If someone doesn't show up-you'll get a call-just to see if
everything is okay."
A physician must order pulmonary rehabilitation. For more information,
call 816-655-5235 at St. Mary's Hospital or 816-943-2040
at Saint Joseph Health Center. St. Mary's Hospital also offers a monthly
support group.
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