Lung disease often creates a significant impact on a person's ability to perform routine daily tasks because of increased shortness of breath. Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. Restrictive lung disease includes interstitial fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and occupational or environmental lung disease.

Pulmonary rehabilitation can help people with lung disease manage their chronic illness through supervised exercise, education on respiratory care, oxygen therapy, smoking cessation programs, nutritional counseling, and psychosocial support.

Goals of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
The goals of Methodist Medical Center's Pulmonary Rehab program are to improve the quality of patients' lives and help patients meet the daily challenges of living with a chronic medical condition.

Benefits of Pulmonary Rehab
Patients may expect to experience the following benefits:

• Less shortness of breath
• Ability to resume some hobbies and activities they once enjoyed
• Less fatigue after performing daily chores
• Greater strength and endurance
• Less depression and anxiety
• A better understanding of ways to manage their disease
• Fewer hospitalizations
• Greater independence
• Improved quality of life

Methodist's Pulmonary Rehab Program
Through exercise and education, patients in Methodist's Pulmonary Rehab program learn how to manage the daily limitations faced when dealing with chronic lung disease. Our staff evaluates each patient and works with the patient's doctor and the patient to develop a plan of care. By working together, attainable rehab goals are developed.

The plan of care generally includes educating the patient and family about the patient's disease, exercising, psychosocial counseling, nutritional counseling, and group support from other patients in Methodist's pulmonary rehab program. Included are discussions about how lifestyle choices - such as smoking and diet -- affect the patient's health.

Methodist Medical Center's Pulmonary Rehab program, which is part of Methodist Cardiopulmonary Services, is located in Suite 360, Westmall Medical Park, 200 New York Ave., Oak Ridge. A doctor's referral is required. For more information about the program, call (865) 835-5235.

Smoking Cessation Program
A smoking cessation program is available for anyone who wants to participate. A physician's order is not required. We use the Freedom from Smoking ® classes developed by the American Lung Association.

Each program series consists of eight classes in which patients work with instructors to identify people, places and things that trigger the urge to smoke. Each patient then works with an instructor to develop an individualized stop smoking plan, and the patient receives group support to help them avoid a relapse. A weekly support group is also available for those needing additional support.

Classes are held four times a year at a cost of $50. The entire fee is refunded to participants who complete all eight classes. For more information about Methodist's smoking cessation classes, please call (865) 835-5235 or 1-800-468-6767.