Sun Country Health Region has developed a program to help people manage their COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and it is currently being offered at Arcola Health Centre by Tamara Kapell.
There are six classes in the session, and each includes a half hour of education and one hour of guided exercise.
"Following an assessment, participants are given an exercise plan and coached to make improvements as they build more strength," explains Kapell.
"The classes help them increase their capacity for exercise, reduce breathlessness and fatigue, increase their ability to do everyday tasks, and to provide emotional support as well," says Kapell. "We've had some pretty good results [with past participants.]"
COPD is a chronic, progressive disease. It's important for people living with COPD to learn ways to manage it. These classes are a great start.
"If we can keep the interest up, we'll keep having the sessions at least once a year," explains Kapell.
There is a team of professionals who work with participants of the Pulmonary Rehab program. These people can include nurses, occupational therapists and dietitians.
Classes are free and anyone living with COPD is encouraged to attend. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation program started Feb. 16 and runs every Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Arcola Health Centre board room for six weeks.
For more information, or to enrol, contact the program coordinator at 455-2628.
