Sanford Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Our pulmonary program is also designed to minimize the progression of pulmonary problems, chronic disease as well as maximize independence, reduce shortness of breath and improve endurance and quality of life.

How do I get started?

You need your doctor's approval to get started in pulmonary rehab. Tell your doctor or nurse that you're interested in pulmonary rehab and ask which rehab services or plans are best for you.

• In an outpatient setting. You may perform your outpatient therapy in our department located at the hospital, in a medical or professional center, in a community facility such as the YMCA or at your place of work. You may even have pulmonary rehab at home. You will be advised to increase the amount of exercise you do. You will also receive education and encouragement to control your risk factors.
• For life. After you have learned the skills of heart-healthy living, you should continue to use them for life.

Keys to pulmonary health

• Exercise: regular physical activity that is tailored to your abilities, needs and interests
• Education: learning about your pulmonary problem, its causes and treatments and how you can manage it
• Counseling: advice on why and how to change your lifestyle to lower your risk of further lung problems
• Behavior change: learning specific skills to enable you to stop unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or to begin healthy behaviors such as eating a heart-healthy diet

Pulmonary rehabilitation team

Pulmonary rehab services can involve many healthcare providers. Your team may include: Doctors (your family doctor, a lung specialist, perhaps a surgeon), physician assistants/nurse practitioners, nurses, exercise specialists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists or other behavior therapists.

Sometimes a primary care provider, such as your family doctor or nurse practitioner, works alone playing many roles or refers patients to other healthcare specialists as needed.

The most important member of your pulmonary rehab team is you. No one else can make you exercise, or quit smoking or eat a more healthy diet.

• Learn about your lung condition
• Learn what you can do to help your lung
• Follow the treatment plan
• Feel free to ask questions
• Report symptoms or problems

A support network can help you. Your support network may be family, friends, or a group of other people with lung problems.

Family members and friends can make a difference. They may want to learn more about lung problems so their help can be even more valuable. For example, family members may have to learn to let you do things for yourself. Your family and friends can give you emotional support as you adjust to a new, healthier lifestyle.

You may also want the support of other people who have lung disease. Ask your pulmonary rehab team if they know of a support group you can join.

Contact information

Sanford Pulmonary Rehabilitation
300 N. Seventh St.
Bismarck, ND 58501