Cardio Pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab) programs help people with chronic respiratory problems breathe better and improve their overall health and strength. The programs are led by healthcare professionals who are trained to treat people with lung disease. With their help, you’ll learn about your condition and gain skills to help you manage it.

There are many benefits from the rehab. These include:

• Do more of the things you enjoy.
• Improve your strength.
• Be more independent.
• Complete daily activities, such as household tasks, with less shortness of breath.
• Manage your symptoms and medicines. This can mean fewer emergency room visits and less time in the hospital.
• Deal with shortness of breath.
• Quit smoking. This is the most important change you can make for your health.

What does rehab include?

• Exercise. To help you increase endurance, strength, and flexibility.
• Education. About your lung problem.
• Self-management. Information about medicines, oxygen, and other equipment.
• Counseling. Emotional support and problem-solving.
• Stop-smoking. For smokers, ways to quit and support.

Outer Banks Health currently operates a Cardio Pulmonary Rehab center in the Medical Office Building. If you’d like to get answers to your healthcare questions and set/meet realistic goals, please discuss with your primary care physician who can refer you to the program.