Pulmonary Wellness Program at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Oktibbeha County

Living with chronic lung disease changes the small things first. A flight of stairs feels longer. A walk to the mailbox takes a pause halfway. Hobbies, errands and time with grandchildren slowly shrink to fit what your breathing will allow. Many of our patients come to us frustrated, anxious about doing too much and unsure where the safe limits really are.

Pulmonary rehabilitation works because it answers those questions in a setting built for it. You are not exercising on your own and hoping for the best. A certified respiratory therapist watches your heart rate and oxygen levels in real time, adjusts the workout to your safe range and helps you build endurance one session at a time. The result is steady progress that your body can trust.

Education sits alongside the exercise. You learn how your lungs work, how your medications fit together, which warning signs need attention and which techniques can ease a flare-up at home. Many patients tell us the knowledge piece is what changes their daily life most — not because the exercise does not help, but because understanding the disease takes away the fear that comes with it. Pulmonary rehab is recommended by national lung care guidelines as one of the most effective non-medication treatments for chronic lung disease, and we have seen its benefits firsthand in patients across north Mississippi.

Our pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed for patients with chronic pulmonary or interstitial lung diseases, including:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis
• Interstitial lung diseases
• Other chronic lung conditions diagnosed by your physician

A physician referral is required for participation. If you think pulmonary rehab could help you or a loved one, talk with your primary care provider or pulmonary specialist about a referral.

• Length: Three months

• Schedule: One to one and a half hours per session, twice a week

• Setting: Outpatient at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Oktibbeha County

• Supervision: Certified respiratory therapists oversee every session

Pulmonary rehabilitation works because it combines two ingredients many patients struggle with on their own — structured education and safely monitored exercise. Patients leave each session knowing more about their condition and how to live well with it.

Your first visit is an assessment, not a workout. You spend time with our respiratory therapy team reviewing your medical history, current medications and the daily activities that have become harder. We talk through your personal goals, whether that is climbing your front steps without stopping, returning to a hobby or simply sleeping through the night. Those goals shape your plan.

Next comes a set of baseline measurements that give the team a starting point. You may complete a six-minute walk test to see how far you can go and how your oxygen levels respond to activity. Your therapist checks your resting heart rate, blood pressure and breathing pattern, and notes any symptoms that come up. None of these tests are pass or fail. They simply tell us where you are today so we can show you how far you have come at the end of the program.

By the end of your first week, you have a personalized schedule, a clear set of goals and a team that knows your case. Sessions begin gently and build over time, so you never feel pushed past what is safe. Plan to wear comfortable clothing and supportive walking shoes, and bring any inhalers or rescue medications you normally carry. Most patients tell us the hardest part was deciding to start — and that within a few sessions, the routine begins to feel like the most encouraging part of their week.

Education is at the heart of pulmonary rehab. Participants learn from certified respiratory therapists about risk factors that affect chronic lung disease and the lifestyle changes that can slow disease progression.

Educational topics include:

• Breathing retraining — techniques to use less effort with every breath
• Managing medications — how and when to take inhalers and other medications
• Social and psychological issues — coping with the emotional side of chronic illness
• Stress and weight management — practical strategies for both
• Smoking cessation — support and resources to quit and stay quit
• Dietary guidelines — nutrition for people with chronic lung conditions
• Safe activity and exercise guidelines — what to do, what to avoid

Every exercise session is monitored by a certified respiratory therapist. Heart rate and oxygen levels are watched closely so the team can adjust the workout to your safe range. Progress reports are sent to your physician regularly to keep your full care team informed.

Participants are coached through a variety of exercises chosen for chronic lung conditions, with intensity tailored to each patient. The result is steady progress without unsafe strain.

Pulmonary rehabilitation therapy delivers measurable benefits for most participants who complete the program. Patients can:

• Control and reduce symptoms
• Improve activity tolerance — walk farther and do more
• Build self-reliance and independence at home
• Lower the need for emergency or urgent care
• Reduce hospitalizations related to lung disease
• Improve emotional well-being
• Improve overall quality of life

For patients with COPD in particular, pulmonary rehab is backed by years of research and recommended by national pulmonary care guidelines as an effective non-medication treatment.

Joining the Pulmonary Wellness Program takes a few simple steps:

• Talk with your physician — your primary care provider, pulmonologist or another specialist needs to refer you to the program.
• Contact our program coordinator — call the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at 662-615-3113 to begin the intake process.
• Records and approval — our team contacts your physician to obtain the necessary medical records and confirm clinical approval.
• Schedule your start — once approved, you receive a schedule for your three-month course.

Pre-Register for Your Visit | Find a Pulmonary Specialist

The Pulmonary Wellness Program is reimbursed by Medicare Part B and most commercial insurance plans. Our team contacts your insurance company on your behalf and completes any pre-certification requirements before your first session — so the financial side is sorted out before you start.

If you have questions about coverage or out-of-pocket costs, the program coordinator can walk you through what to expect.

Our program draws on trusted resources to support patients between sessions, including the COPD Foundation community at copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Get-Involved.aspx.