Asthma Program
The Asthma Center is directed by a pulmonologist and staffed by a nurse clinical coordinator and nine respiratory therapists well-trained in asthma education.They create a personalized action plan just for you.
Breathease Program
At the Breathing Center, you can enroll in a structured, outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. This comprehensive program is usually 12-18 visits. The course educates participants on their individual illness.
We address:
- How to best compensate for the effects of your illness
- Helping stabilize your condition
- Offering emotional support for you and your loved ones
- Improving the overall fitness of your body, heart, and lungs
Patient Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation by our experienced staff of physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists includes:
- Health history
- Physical
- Respiratory assessments
- Psychological assessments
- Exercise assessments
- Evaluation of your daily living activities
- Nutritional counseling and instruction
- All medical needs
Exercise
We help you improve your physical conditioning and functional breathing capacities using an assortment of exercises. All of your activities are closely monitored by specialists in pulmonary rehabilitation.
Education
Your education includes videos, demonstrations and lectures. We will teach you what you need to know about your individual condition and how to best live with it. We will work with you to obtain the best lifestyle possible.
Continuous Evaluation
Upon graduation from the program, you may return to the Breathing Center for periodic evaluations.
Our Physicians
"We use a multidisciplinary team to help patients with chronic respiratory conditions," says Doug Zweig, MD, Christian Hospital pulmonologist. "Patients with recurrent respiratory problems benefit significantly from this approach. This comprehensive treatment means less frequent hospitalization and improved quality of life."
Research by Myron Jacobs, MD, medical director of Christian Hospital pulmonology services, shows an average of 300 percent improvement in exercise tolerance with a regular activity program.
Support Group
10 a.m.-11 a.m.
One Tuesday each month -- call 314.953.6040 for dates
Northwest HealthCare
1225 Graham Road
Community Room (Ground Floor)
Florissant, Missouri 63031 USA
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The Breathing Center support group is free and open to anyone with a lung disorder, such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension and emphysema. Family and friends of support group members are always welcome to attend meetings.
A registered respiratory therapist, who has been in pulmonary rehabilitation since 1981, teaches the support group. Meetings feature seminars, guest speakers, educational materials and crafts.
