|
One of the key programs at the Centre, called Breathe Easy, is designed to help clients with chronic lung disease:
- Build stamina and endurance through exercise
- Learn to use effective breathing techniques and methods to maximize the benefits of medications
- Address oxygen needs
- Obtain psychological and social support from staff and fellow participants
- Learn about nutrition, leisure management, homecare and relaxation
- Set goals for continued exercise programs
Physician referral is required prior to admission to the program. All referrals must have a diagnosis of a chronic lung disorder such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or fibrosis.
Special programs are also available for people in the workforce. For more information, please contact the Centre at 482-8951.
Breathe Easy Components
Assessment
All potential participants are assessed by a pulmonary physician and respiratory therapist prior to beginning the program. The assessment involves monitoring heart rate and rhythm as well as oxygen and fitness levels to assess patient suitability for the program.
Exercise Component
Exercises are tailored to each participant's individual capabilities and needs. They include warm-up stretches, breathing retraining, muscle strengthening, walking and the use of stationary bicycles and treadmills. All exercises are led, supervised and monitored by trained staff. Each participant is encouraged to increase the duration of exercise sessions while working at their own pace. Oxygen levels and heart rates are carefully monitored by respiratory therapists during the activities and classes, and individual progress and goals are constantly reviewed and discussed with participants during each class.
Education Component
Spouses, caregivers, and family members are encouraged to attend the lectures and demonstration presentations that are held during class. Education sessions are presented by an interdisciplinary team of professionals. Topics include the following:
- Understanding your lung condition
- Proper use of respiratory medications
- Conserving energy
- Understanding breathing
- Coping with fear, anger and stress
- Managing leisure time
- Choosing healthy foods
- Using oxygen
- Importance of exercise
Follow-up
After completion of the program, graduates return to the Centre for post-program testing. Once participants are tested, their reports are sent to their primary care physicians and pulmonary specialists. Follow-up sessions are held as required to monitor graduates on their progress after the program.
This step by step process ensures that participants receive quality care and attention on personalized levels, regardless of how mild or severe their conditions may be.
Breathe Easy Program Schedule
- Program cost is covered by Capital Health
- Parking passes are available
- Classes are limited to 12 participants
Daytime programs
These programs run year round. Each program consists of 1 hour of education and 2 hours of exercise.
Six-week program: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Eight-week program: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Morning classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Afternoon classes run from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Evening programs
This program runs as required. Each evening program consists of 45 minutes of education and 1 hour and 45 minutes of exercise.
Six-week program: Tuesday and Thursday
Evening class runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
|
