Pulmonary Rehab

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center hosts one of the region’s most comprehensive Pulmonary Rehab Programs for people with chronic lung disease. The program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

How will pulmonary rehab help?

The primary goal of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is to help individuals improve their daily lives and improve or restore the ability to function independently. Our team of exercise specialists, registered respiratory therapists, and nutritionist show you how you can successfully manage a heart healthy lifestyle. The program is certified by the State of North Carolina and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The goals of pulmonary rehab are to:

• Increase understanding about your condition and treatment
• Increase your ability to perform your job and your daily or recreational activities
• Provide you and your family with the support and motivation needed to make important lifestyle changes

Who can benefit from pulmonary rehab?

Anyone who has a symptomatic chronic lung disease and has difficulty completing daily activities will benefit from the program. Pulmonary rehab can also be helpful to those in need of lung transplants or other lung surgeries. People with chronic lung disease can benefit from participation in the program even if symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough and/or mucus production are severe.

Some chronic lung diseases that have been shown to benefit from pulmonary rehab include:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (C.O.P.D.)
• Emphysema
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Interstitial Diseases
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis
• Thoracic Cage Deformities
• Neuromuscular Disorders

What does the program include?

Participants have medically supervised exercise sessions, educational seminars, and dietary counseling. We also offer tobacco cessation counseling, medication management, oxygen management, and social support.

Our exercise sessions are tailored to meet needs and abilities. Each session is individualized to build endurance and strength. Heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs are monitored as needed during exercise sessions.

What is required to enter the program?

A signed referral from your physician and authorization from your insurance company are required. The pulmonary rehab staff will assist in obtaining these.

What can I expect?

Your first visit will include your medical history review, an evaluation of your pulmonary status, and a 6-minute walk test. We encourage you to bring a support person to the evaluation sessions, as well as your current medications and insurance card. Wear clothes and shoes that you will be comfortable walking in.

Most patients attend 3 times a week for 12 weeks or 36 sessions; however we will individualize your program to meet your needs and goals. We do ask that you incorporate exercise into your routine on other days of the week. Our staff will give you guidance on exercising outside of the program.

Most sessions will last 90 minutes to 2 hours. This includes 60 minutes of aerobic exercise and 30 minutes of stretching and strength exercises. One day a week we hold educational classes along with exercise. We invite your family members and loved ones to be involved in our program and attend our weekly educational classes.

Most insurance carriers cover outpatient pulmonary rehab. We will determine your coverage prior to starting the program. Scholarship support may be provided to qualifying participants based on financial needs and availability of funds.

“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 am and 1 pm 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.

Helpful Web Links

• American Lung Association www.lungusa.org
• American Association for Respiratory Care www.aarc.org
• American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation: www.aacvpr.org

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