Members of the Pulmonary Team at Holy Cross Health – Photo credit: Robert Mayer, Holy Cross Health
By Helen Visco, BSRT, RRT-NPS, CPFT
To raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), November 19 annually marks World COPD Day. It’s an opportune time to highlight the treatments and resources that improve the quality of life for patients living with chronic lung conditions. At Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale, our Just Breathe Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides patients with the tools, support and expertise they need to breathe easier and live stronger.
Why Pulmonary Rehab Matters
COPD is one of the leading causes of disability and hospitalization in the U.S. While there isn’t a cure, pulmonary rehabilitation is proven to reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue; improve exercise tolerance and daily activity levels; boost mood and confidence through education and support; and decrease hospital readmissions by teaching patients how to better manage flare-ups.
The Just Breathe Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program combines individualized exercise training, education and counseling to help patients gain control of their condition and rediscover the activities they love.
What to Expect in Therapy
At Holy Cross Health, pulmonary rehabilitation is more than exercise. It’s a comprehensive approach that includes supervised exercise sessions tailored to each patient’s abilities; education modules covering breathing techniques, nutrition, medication management and energy conservation; one-on-one coaching from specially trained respiratory therapists and exercise physiologists; and peer support in a welcoming group setting, where patients share encouragement and success stories.
Expanding Services for the Community
As the COPD Clinic at the Catherine Yardley Comprehensive Pulmonary Center at Holy Cross Health continues to grow, services are expanding to include exercise challenge testing to better identify and treat exercise-induced symptoms; patient navigation and referral coordination to connect patients with the right care at the right time; and specialized wellness tools like TRX suspension training, breathing games and interactive education corners.
These innovations reflect Holy Cross Health’s commitment to being more than a clinic, but also a partner in long-term lung health.
A Message of Hope on World COPD Day
On this World COPD Day, we celebrate the resilience of patients and the dedication of the pulmonary rehab team. With the right care, life with COPD can be full, active and hopeful.
Helen Visco is Clinical Manager of the COPD Clinic at the Catherine Yardley Comprehensive Pulmonary Center at Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale.
