If you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis, the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at St. Michael Hospital is for you. Conducted by the Hospital's Pulmonary Medicine Department, the program can teach you how to take care of yourself, how to improve your fitness, and how to live a more comfortable life.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are diseases which cannot be "cured." However, there are many techniques, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments which can effectively improve the health of some who has these conditions.

Each individual is unique. That is why a rehabilitation program, with a professional staff that can identify and meet your specific needs, is best.

The Program

The St. Michael Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program consists of three one-hour sessions per week for twelve weeks, or a total of 36 sessions.

Each session includes an exercise period with fitness activities, planned on an individual basis, that gradually increase in demand. Participants are monitored with cardiac and respiratory equipment, to gauge tolerance and progress.

Once each week, (either before or after class) an educational session is held to address a variety of topics including:

"Breathing re-training
"Understanding your disease
"Coping with lung disease
"Stress management
"Importance of exercise
"Respiratory medications
"Nutrition
"Risk factors

The Benefits

The benefits of participating in St. Michael Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program are: "Increased strength and endurance
"Improved ability to pace activities
"Increased independence
"Reduced anxiety
"Increased ability to cope with a chronic condition
"And, most importantly, easier breathing

Getting Started

Contact your physician regarding your interest in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Once they approve of your participation, call the St. Michael Hospital Department of Pulmonary Medicine at 414-527-8266. A referral request will then be sent to you physician. Upon receiving the referral request back, the Pulmonary Medicine Department will make the necessary arrangements for you to get started in THE PROGRAM. The Rehabilitation Staff will keep your physician informed of your progress throughout the program.

The Location

All sessions are held at:
St. Michael Hospital Health Center
4555 West Schroeder Drive
Suite 155 & 160
Brown Deer, WI 53223