By Rachel Gentzler, RRT

Gothenburg Health is celebrating National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week March 12-18, established by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), to celebrate the benefits pulmonary rehabilitation can provide for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our goal is to spread the word about COPD and the available treatment options, including pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week aims to educate the community about the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with chronic lung disease. This year’s theme, “Moving More, Breathing Better,” honors individuals who struggle to overcome shortness of breath and the pulmonary professionals who work every day towards a path for better health.

Gothenburg Health offers complete pulmonary function testing, providers to create a plan for aiming to reduce COPD exacerbations, referrals to our visiting Pulmonologist, Dr. Cantral, home sleep testing, in-lab sleep studies in our new state-of-the-art sleep center as well as pulmonary rehabilitation. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a process that helps individuals with lung disease return to a more active lifestyle. Five ways to celebrate National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week that the Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation recommends is 1. Get up and move, 2. Nourish your body, 3. Know the options of programs near you, 4. Contribute to research by signing up for a clinical trial, and 5. Tell your story. The more people know about pulmonary rehabilitation, the more people can receive the help they need.

If you have questions about pulmonary rehabilitation or treating your COPD, testing or entering Gothenburg Health’s rehab program, please contact one of our providers at the Gothenburg Health Clinic by calling 308-537-4066. Our goal is to get you moving more so you can breathe better!