Inspira Health Network

The first steps to coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, are to get educated, get empowered — and get help. COPD is a lung condition that gradually gets worse over time and leads to chronic cough, wheezing, chest tightness and trouble breathing. For 64-year- old Arthur Bass, managing COPD is part of his new normal, since there is no cure for the disease. "About a decade ago I was diagnosed with COPD," Arthur said. "When I was referred to Inspira Medical Center Vineland, they took immediate action, offering me inhalers and oxygen therapy, not to mention a place to turn for regular pulmonary visits with a staff who cares." Sharon Basich, RRT, the COPD coach for Inspira Health Network's Discharge COACH program, worked individually with Arthur to improve his quality of life. She and her team helped him: 1. QUIT SMOKING. Smoking is the number one reason people are diagnosed with COPD, and for patients who want to manage the condition, it is imperative they stop immediately. "Many times people turn to smoking when they're stressed," Basich said. "My team and I work hand in hand with patients to find healthier, more productive means of handling stressful situations." 2. ASK FOR HELP. "COPD can be confusing for people who may wonder when to reorder their medications or even whether steroids they need may affect their blood sugar," Basich said. "I give my cell phone number to every patient I meet with and encourage them to call me so their questions don't interfere with their treatment plan. I even dress in orange so may patients can find me easily and quickly when they're at the hospital and need assistance." Basich also urges her patients to speak with their doctors about enrolling in pulmonary rehabilitation, which greatly reduces the risk for readmission. 3. RELEARN HOW TO BREATHE. Having COPD makes it difficult to breathe normally, leading to shortness of breath and feelings of anxiety. Basich and Inspira's COPD coaches teach people like Arthur breathing exercises to help them strengthen the diaphragm, the main muscle that controls breathing, and reduce the physical effort required for breathing. "People can live energetic, fulfilling lives with COPD," Basich said. "Our goal is to ensure patients understand that and know we're here to help." LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW INSPIRA MEDICAL CENTERS IN ELMER, VINELAND AND WOODBURY CAN HELP YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES OF LIVING WITH COPD BY CALLING 856-777-4333. Helping You Breathe Easy Inspira Medical Center Vineland treats a wide range of chronic illnesses, exceptionally. U.S. News & World Report recently recognized us as one of the 10best hospitals in New Jersey for both COPD and heart failure, thanks to the outstanding results patients with these conditions achieve after treatment. In addition, the Lung Cancer Alliance designated both Inspira Medical Center Vineland and Inspira Medical Center Woodbury as Lung Cancer Screening Centers of Excellence. We're here for you, every breath of the way. WITH COPD Ways to Live Healthy Sharon Basich, RRT, provides one-on-one education, in addition to post-discharge follow-up care, to patients with COPD. 6 Spring 2016 Inspira Health Network Family & Friends + You

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