Lung disease is the third leading cause of death and is on the increase each day in the United States.

Breathing is something many of us take for granted, but someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will tell you that each breath is a struggle to them.

While it is not always fatal, more than 20 million Americans live with the day-to-day struggle of COPD. In general, the goals of medical therapy are to relieve the symptoms, improve functional status and enhance the quality of life. The medical attitude for symptomatic treatment is often directed towards writing prescriptions and attitude of “there is nothing more we can do.”

Pelican Healthcare Pulmonary Rehab programs, located at 429 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace, enhance standard medical therapy to control and alleviate symptoms and optimize functional capacity.

The major goal of pulmonary rehab is to restore the patient to the highest level of independent function, making the best of what the patient has. This goal is best accomplished by helping the patients and their families become more knowledgeable about their disease process and more independent in their activities of daily living.

Other benefits of rehab include less Emergency Room visits and Hospital admissions. Possible return to work and even a prolonged survival rate are among other possible benefits.

Early initiation of pulmonary rehab may help prevent or delay some of the complications of lung disease and help patients achieve a more satisfactory lifestyle with better control of symptoms. Through pulmonary rehab, they toned their body, learned to manage their disease and meet new friends at Pelican Healthcare Pulmonary Rehab, located in our corporate fitness center where exercise for therapy blends with exercise for recreation.

Many graduates of pulmonary rehab state that they feel much better after completing the program. They are expected to do supervised exercise, two to three days per week.

Pulmonary rehab patients at Pelican Healthcare Pulmonary Rehab enjoy state-of-the-art equipment and may choose a variety of activities. Some work with the treadmill, UBE, NUstep bike and Schwinn Air Dyne Bike. The center is staffed with CPR instructors, physical therapists and respiratory therapists and other disciplines. We monitor their blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation before, during, and after each exercise regimen.

Pulmonary Rehab just changes their whole lives. The program is led from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, where many patients set their own time. As a respiratory therapist, I promote a healthy lifestyle and I choose to dedicate my skills and expertise to the community by making Pulmonary Rehab available for everyone with pulmonary problems.

Pelican Healthcare takes care of pre and post-lung transplant patients and works closely with Ochsner Medical Center. Healthcare providers need to make a concerted effort in treating lung disease beyond giving treatments or writing scripts. They must help maximize the fulfillment of life for each individual.

Dr. B Nowakowski is the Medical Director of the program, where community setting promotes a wholesome atmosphere that encourages compliance. Pelican Healthcare Pulmonary Rehab is a light and airy place with walls of mirrors. Staff mingle around exercise equipment, consulting with members.

Some people prop books on treadmills or exercise bikes and read while they exercise. Others focus on their movement and their pacing walk. Rehab patients also celebrate birthdays with staff and family members.

Through pulmonary rehab programs, patients are weaned off oxygen and regain their enthusiasm for life. A program like this lifts the burden off the individuals and the caregivers who have less understanding the disease entity of COPD.

Letha Haynes, RRT, is executive director of Pelican Healthcare Pulmonary Rehab, located at 429 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace. For more information, call 985-652-7717 or email pelicanhealth1@yahoo.com.