Understanding how to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases can help improve your lung function and heart health. Our pulmonary rehabilitation care team at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida, is committed to delivering the care that’s right for you. American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation recognizes our pulmonary rehab program at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital.
Manage your COPD with pulmonary rehabilitation
Your health is our priority. Our care teams listen to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a care plan that helps improve your breathing. Our care team includes a doctor, nurse, respiratory therapist and exercise physiologists. We work together to provide respiratory therapy and exercises that help retrain your lungs to breathe. You will learn about:
- Stretching exercises
- Supervised fitness programs that work your heart and lungs
When you have difficulty breathing, doing simple activities can be stressful. During pulmonary rehabilitation, we monitor your heart and lung function. We’ll discuss medications, nutrition and lifestyle changes to help you improve your overall health. We also focus on your emotional health. If you have a history of smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, we also offer a smoking cessation program.
A doctor's referral is needed to participate in our eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation program that includes two sessions a week. Medicare Part B and other private health insurance plans provide a covered benefit for these services. Ask your heart and lung specialist if you are a candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation.
Exercise options after completing the program
Your care doesn’t end after completing your pulmonary rehabilitation. We also provide supportive care and help connect you with community fitness programs.
