March 13, 2025 – (SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health is championing the importance of rehabilitation programs for lung patients in recognition of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week.
Initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular and 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.
Medical research has shown that more than 90% of lung disease patients who undergo pulmonary rehabilitation spend fewer days in the hospital.
“Pulmonary rehab, we believe, is a necessary addition to the management of many respiratory diseases,” said Chassity Hall, a respiratory therapist with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “Pulmonary rehabilitation has been proven to improve an individual’s ability to take care of themselves, improve their health and improve their overall quality of life.”
Hall and Sara Batchell, both respiratory therapists at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, say most programs see patients two to three times a week.
Ninety-two-year-old Sue Beck is one of those patients.
“Working out not only changes more than your body, it changes your habits and you gain confidence,” she said. “You gain a better mental outlook, and it will really change your life. It has changed mine.”
Placement in the program is on a referral basis through a primary care provider or pulmonologist cardiologist and each patient is given a pulmonary function test prior to entering the program. This test often includes an exercise stress test, breathing test and walking test.
“We recognize that every patient is different, so each program and intensity level is different,” Batchell said. “That said, we know that rehab is beneficial for everyone, not just for their short term recovery, but in building habits and routines that can benefit them long-term.”
Patients also receive education on at-home exercises, breathing exercises, proper use of medicines and inhalers, nutrition, and stress reduction techniques.
“If you have had any sort of pulmonary procedure done, we highly encourage you to talk with your doctor right away to see if rehab is right for you,” Hall said. “We know it is not always fun or easy, but we know the benefits are worth it.”
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