If you are living with a chronic lung disorder, primarily obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we offer you a program to improve your quality of life. COPD is a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. For people with lung diseases, breathing is an exhausting process. While these diseases cannot be cured, they can be treated.

Our Pulmonary Wellness Program was designed to help you return to the highest breathing ability. This program, which is reimbursed by Medicare, consists of one-hour bi-weekly sessions. Because sessions are offered frequently, you may enter the program at any time following your referral to the program. An exercise program is designed based on individual needs. Sessions include exercise on the treadmill, bike and arm ergometer for a total of 30 minutes. Patients learn some basic daily exercises that they can do at home.

Education Sessions

An important part of the Wellness Program includes education to help patients take control of their disease. Presentations on topics such as weight management, nutrition, stress reduction and understanding medicines are offered by members of the pulmonary rehab team.

Before Entering The Outpatient Program

Doctors refer patients to the program. For further information about the Pulmonary Wellness Program or the Better Breathers Support Group call 321-2799. Participants in our Pulmonary Wellness program meet biweekly and participate in an individually tailored exercise program in the gym in the Heart & Vascular Center, at The Williamsport Hospital & Medical Center. The program is supported by our respiratory therapists and pulmonologist, William C. McCauley, M.D., medical director.