CHRISTUS Health: Importance of pulmonary rehab for lung patients
(SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health is championing the importance of rehabilitation programs for lung patients in recognition of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week. Initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week aims to educate the community about the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with chronic lung disease. Medical research has shown that more than 90% of lung disease patients who undergo pulmonary rehabilitation spend fewer days in the hospital. “Pulmonary rehab, we believe, is a necessary addition to the management of many respiratory diseases,” said Chassity Hall, a respiratory therapist with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “Pulmonary rehabilitation has been proven to improve an individual’s ability to take care of themselves, improve their health and improve their overall quality of life.” Hall and Sara Batchell, both respiratory therapists at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, say most programs see patients two to three times a week. Ninety-two-year-old Sue Beck is one of those patients. “Working out not only changes more than your body, it changes your habits and you gain confidence,” she said. “You gain a better mental outlook, and it will really change your life. It has changed mine.”Placement in the program is on a referral basis through a primary care provider or pulmonologist cardiologist and each patient is given a pulmonary function test prior to entering the program. This test often includes an exercise stress test, breathing test and walking test. “We recognize that every patient is different, so each program and intensity level is different,” Batchell said. “That said, we know that rehab is beneficial for everyone, not just for their short- term recovery, but in building habits and routines that can benefit them long-term.” Patients also receive education on at-home exercises, breathing exercises, proper use of medicines and inhalers, nutrition, and stress reduction techniques. “If you have had any sort of pulmonary procedure done, we highly encourage you to talk withnyour doctor right away to see if rehab is right for you,” Hall said. “We know it is not always fun or easy, but we know the benefits are worth it.”
About CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System
As part of CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System is a faith- based, not-for-profit health system serving the northeast Texas community with eight hospitals and multiple primary and immediate care facilities and health and wellness centers with nearly 10,000 Associates. We specialize in cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, sports medicine, mother/baby services, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, trauma, stroke care, surgery and women’s health. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org.
