Photo caption: Angela Hahn and Thorne Wittstruck, will be providing pulmonary rehab services at SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital starting March 11.
SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, 620 W. Brown Street, is introducing an outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation program starting March 11, 2025. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with pulmonary concerns – e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory symptoms – recover faster and live healthier. The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families. Most insurances and Medicare offer coverage for pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary Rehabilitation services will be provided by Waupun Memorials Hospital’s Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab staff and respiratory therapists who will evaluate individuals to determine personal needs and limitations. Pulmonary rehabilitation employees use this information to tailor a program to meet the patient’s specific needs and help set goals. “A physical activity program is then designed to help participants reach their personal goals and recommended guidelines,” Thorne Wittstruck, an SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital exercise physiologist, explains. “Oxygen saturation, shortness of breath level, exertion level and heart rate are monitored during physical activity. Exercise is progressed according to the individual’s tolerance and capacity, gradually increasing to a target goal.” Professionals also provide counseling and education to help participants understand their condition and how to manage it. Education is offered on topics, such as breathing strategies, respiratory devices, medications, smoking cessation, pulmonary anatomy and physiology and effect of chronic lung disease, nutritional guidelines, coping techniques, and benefits of exercise and maintaining physical activities. A free public open house is scheduled from 1 – 3 pm on Tuesday, March 11. To learn more about pulmonary rehabilitation services at SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, call 920-324-6843.
