Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center Services

Initial evaluation includes a pulmonary function test, a six-minute walk that measures exercise capacity and tests for muscle strength, balance coordination and general physical condition.

Our intensive seven-week pulmonary rehabilitation program meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The first week, classes run for three hours and focus on education. The next six weeks of classes are an hour-and-a-half each of supervised, monitored exercise and re-conditioning. Patients can choose from three exercise times:

• 9-10:30 a.m.,
• Noon - 1:30 p.m. and
• 2-3:30 p.m.

A maintenance exercise program helps patients maintain their overall strength and physical condition once they have finished the seven-week course. Staff continues to monitor and support patients.

Juanita Phelps is living life to the fullest. In 1999, she was diagnosed with a severe case of emphysema, "Pulmonary disease can be very debilitating. With discipline and persistence, patients can maintain and improve their quality of life," says Kitty Collins, RRT. "Anyone who is motivated and consistent in attendance should see an improvement." but she didn't let that stop her. Juanita's doctor understood her desire to be active and referred her to SETON's Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. With the help of the Center's pulmonary rehabilitation therapists, she learned how to exercise safely so she could regain her strength to perform the daily activities that are important to her.

"For a few years I had trouble breathing and I had to slow down some, giving up square dancing," says Phelps. "Now I am able to do more because I have maintained a good workout routine at the Center. I have noticed my muscles are stronger, and my outlook on life is much better."

Many patients, including Phelps, have benefited from the services of the Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. On Thurs., Dec. 13, the Center celebrated its new location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Center is now located at 6330 E. Hwy. 290, Suite 315, in the ITT Building. The new facility features easy access with free parking, advanced equipment, highly skilled pulmonary rehab therapy staff and flexible session times, including Saturdays. "Pulmonary disease can be very debilitating. With discipline and persistence, patients can maintain and improve their quality of life," says Kitty Collins, RRT. "Anyone who is motivated and consistent in attendance should see an improvement."

For more information about the Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, call 512-324-8719.

Seton Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation provides services for the physical and mental health of patients with

• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Lung Transplants
• Bronchiectasis
• Post-Polio Syndrome
• Lung Cancer
• Pulmonary Fibrosis and other lung diseases