Medical Services • Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Individualized rehabilitation programs designed to keep you fit and healthy

At NCH, we work with you to develop a pulmonary rehabilitation program that meets your specific needs. NCH’s team of registered nurses, respiratory therapists and exercise physiologists will design a program for you that will help to increase your strength and endurance while also preventing future problems.

Comprehensive exercise combined with education and counseling

You attend three exercise and education sessions per week, each about one-and-a-half hours in length. For the best long-term results, we divide the rehabilitation program into two parts. Phase II is the reconditioning process where it all begins. Phase III emphasizes maintaining the progress you have achieved in Phase II, and teaching you how to maintain your health once you complete the program.

Get active to stay healthy

NCH programs raise your level of physical activity and get you back to living your life more fully. Every program includes:

• Supervised exercise
• Breathing retraining
• Individual and group counseling for lifestyle modification
• On-going support

You'll start to feel better with fewer symptoms

Fewer pulmonary problems mean you will:

• Increase your strength and endurance
• Feel better physically and emotionally
• Be more active
• Lead a healthier lifestyle
• Experience fewer infections and fewer hospital stays

Your family members or loved ones are welcome to participate

We encourage a team approach for successful pulmonary rehab. Family members are welcome to join in all the educational and counseling sessions. And, we encourage your spouse or significant other to participate in the exercise part of the Maintenance program (Phase III).

Phase II – Reconditioning covered by health insurance

Most health insurance companies cover the prescribed services of Part II – the reconditioning part of our program. Phase III, the maintenance part of the program, does involve modest out-of-pocket costs which may be covered by your flexible or healthcare spending account, or a supplemental insurance program.

One of NCH’s cardiopulmonary rehab team members will be glad to work with you to determine the extent of coverage, and options for services.

Support for a Smoke-Free Lifestyle

The damages caused by smoking to your respiratory system can have lasting effects. Smoking and tobacco use is known to cause or be linked to many chronic health conditions, including lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking can make it more difficult to breathe and cause you to feel weak from a lack of oxygen. However, once you quit smoking, you will begin to breathe better, cough less and become more active. Click here for more facts about the dangers of smoking and information about Courage to Quit® at NCH, a comprehensive tobacco treatment program for adults.