Pulmonary Rehab
Pulmonary rehabilitation, also known as pulmonary rehab is a supervised outpatient rehab program designed to help people with chronic breathing problems to improve their daily lives and to function independently. Pulmonary rehab includes exercise training, dietary training, and education on how to manage your lung disease or condition.
The goals of pulmonary rehab are to:
- Help you to understand your condition and treatment
- Allow you to perform to the best of your abilities
- Provide you with support and motivation to help you make and sustain lifestyle changes
During Pulmonary Rehab
Pulmonary rehab begins with a medical evaluation. The medical evaluation will give your rehab team an opportunity to evaluate your current medical condition and to track your progress over time.
Exercise is a big part of any pulmonary rehab program. When you first begin pulmonary rehab, you'll be asked to do some exercises while your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are being monitored. Your pulmonary rehab team will then design an exercise program for you that's tailored to your specific needs. The purpose of the exercise program is to increase your strength and endurance.
During your pulmonary rehab, you may also meet with a dietitian who will teach you guidelines for healthy eating. Being overweight or underweight can make it difficult to breathe properly. If you are overweight, your pulmonary rehab team can help create a diet and meal plans for you that will help you lose weight. If you are underweight, your team can help create a diet and meal plans that will help you gain weight. They can also provide calorie and protein supplements.
Your pulmonary rehab will also include educational sessions on how to manage your disease or condition. You'll be given information about:
- How to avoid situations that might make breathing more difficult
- Vaccinations and medications
- Energy conserving techniques
- Breathing strategies
- Smoking cessation techniques (if applicable)
Wake Forest Baptist Health hosts one of the region's most comprehensive pulmonary rehab programs for people with chronic lung disease. Our program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
How Long Does Pulmonary Rehab Last?
How long you will attend pulmonary rehab depends on your overall condition. Most programs last for about three months.
What is the Cost of Pulmonary Rehab?
Most insurance carriers cover outpatient pulmonary rehab. At Wake Forest, We'll determine your coverage before you start your program.
"Graduate" Pulmonary Rehab
After completion of the initial phase of pulmonary rehab, patients can join our maintenance exercise program. This phase includes supervised open gym times. The program is offered 6:30 am to 8 am and 2:30 pm to 4 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday This is a self-pay program and is not insurance reimbursable.
Class Details
Classes meet at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, on the second floor of the Sticht Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Call 336-713-8855 or e-mail cpaladen@wakehealth.edu for more information.
Program Staff
 |  |
Killian C. Robinson, MD
Cardiac Rehab Medical Director | Norman E. Adair, MD
Pulmonary Rehab Medical Director |
Connie Paladenech, RRT, RCP
Program Director,
Respiratory Therapist | Theresa Addison, MS
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist |
Cynthia Hayes, RN, BSN
Registered Nurse | Beverly Martin, RN, BSN
Registered Nurse |
Suzanne DeLapp, RRT, RCP
Respiratory Therapist | William Allen, CSCS
Exercise Specialist |
Tony Walker, RRT, RCP
Respiratory Therapist | Sharon Cornelison, RCP, RRT-NPS
Respiratory Therapist |
Julie Ellis, MPH, RD, LDN
Nutritionist | Sue Longinotti
Secretary |