Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Symptoms can vary from patient to patient but often include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, phlegm production, and coughing up mucus. COPD is diagnosed by symptomatology, having a chest x-ray, and completing a Pulmonary Function Study at a local hospital or physician’s office. According to the American Lung Association, as of January 24, 2024, COPD has affected 11.7 million people in the United States.
COPD can be difficult for those affected as it makes it challenging to do simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, putting on clothes, showering, tying shoes, and walking. Shore's Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center offers a pulmonary rehabilitation program that helps those with COPD and other respiratory illnesses improve their quality of life. Bridging the gap between illness and wellness, the program integrates exercise, education, and nutritional counseling.
Pulmonary Rehab, from Start to Finish
The program begins with a review of the patient’s health history. In addition, an exercise physiologist will evaluate the patient's oxygen levels, analyze the causes of shortness of breath, review medication usage, and assess the patient’s goals.
This is followed by a sub-maximal symptom limited 6-minute walk where oxygen saturations, heart rate, blood pressure, shortness of breath, and distance covered are measured by an exercise physiologist. From there, the exercise physiologist develops an exercise prescription plan. This plan is patient-specific to guide each patient in the right direction.
As the patient exercises in the comfort of the center’s modern facility, they’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that they are being electronically monitored for any sign of irregularity in oxygen level, heart rhythm, blood pressure, or other vital functions. Medical treatment is seconds away for patients if needed. A staff of exercise physiologists and specialists supervises their workouts and provides positive reinforcement as well. The exercise prescription not only includes an exercise plan but also offers nutritional counseling. Shore ensures that all resources are on-site to make it feasible for COPD patients to get complete care.
What Makes it Successful
“As part of the initial assessment, we establish benchmarks, timelines, and goals for the patient. This keeps the patient on track and gives us a way to measure their progress,” says Mark Zaleskiewicz, Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist at Shore Medical Center, who was instrumental in creating the program at Shore 25 years ago. “Our program has been successful because it has proven to improve breathing capability, aerobic conditioning, overall muscular strength and coordination, and even psychological outlooks.”
In addition to the clinical expertise, one of the other main factors in the success of the pulmonary program is the compassionate and supportive staff. Director of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Jennifer Pero MSN, RN, oversees the program and explains, “We support, encourage, and celebrate each patient who participates in the program. It is inspiring to see their progress and we are very proud of their commitment and dedication.” This is why we hold a graduation- complete with cap and gown- for those who complete the 36-visit program. One of our past patients never had the opportunity to experience any type of graduation. Ours was his first, so he invited his family to celebrate with him. It was really special to see.”
A physician referral is required to participate in the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team is available to answer any questions regarding insurance in advance. The Shore Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center is located on the first floor at 710 Centre Street in Somers Point, across from Shore Medical Center, and is open Monday through Friday. Close, convenient, and free parking is available just a short distance from the Center's front door. For more information, call 609-653-4677.
