If you have a chronic lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor may recommend that you try a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Pulmonary rehab combines exercise with education. The supervised exercise helps you build strength and stamina. And the focused education gives you the tools you need to live your best life with lung disease.

Here’s a sample of things you might learn, and how pulmonary rehab can help you take control of your condition.

5 key concepts covered in pulmonary rehab programs

1. Medication management. Find out how your medications work, and get advice on when you should take them. You might develop a personal action plan to help you know how to manage your condition.
2. Breathing techniques. You’ll learn ways to breathe better during exercise or stress and get tips on saving your energy for what really matters to you. You might also learn more about how and when to use supplemental oxygen.
3. Meal planning. A healthy diet can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Learn how to make nutritious meals without growing too tired or stressed.
4. Exercise. You may learn more about how to modify exercises for your safety, as well as learning how to monitor your breathing as you work out.
5. Lung-healthy living. You’ll learn about lifestyle changes that can help you feel better, including strategies and coping techniques to deal with stress and anxiety. If you smoke, you’ll get support to help you quit.

Get started
If you’re living with a chronic lung condition, ask your doctor if GRMC cardiac & pulmonary rehab can help you.

Source: American Lung Association