CentraState - Healthy Directions

Breathing Easier, Living Healthier W hen 63-year-old Salvatore Puccio of Howell got back on his motorcycle for the first time in months, it was an adventure he didn't know was possible after the events in fall 2011. However, CentraState Medical Center's Pulmonary Rehabilitation program helped Salvatore take a stand against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and once again enjoy the activities he loves. While at home last October, Salvatore asked his wife, Jane, to call for emergency medical help. "I felt like I was in a cloud or a tunnel," Salvatore says. "It felt like I wasn't in my own home." After a series of questions, the emergency team took Salvatore to CentraState. When he arrived, his carbon dioxide level was 148 mmHg, far exceeding the normal range of 35 to 45 mmHg. Salvatore was admitted to the hospital for respiratory failure and pneumonia. Salvatore Croce, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician One week later, Salvatore was released by Salvatore Croce, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician with Monmouth Ocean Pulmonary Medicine and on staff at CentraState, who encouraged Salvatore to join CentraState's Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. CentraState's Pulmonary Rehabilitation program is designed to improve the health quality of patients living with pulmonary diseases, including COPD. After the patient completes a pulmonary function test and a six-minute walking test, the highly trained and experienced team determines an appropriate exercise routine customized to meet his or her unique needs. Participating in CentraState's Pulmonary Rehabilitation program has allowed Salvatore Puccio to manage his COPD—and get back on his motorcycle. During 36 therapy sessions, the program strives to help participants decrease shortness of breath, anxiety and need for hospitalization, along with improving exercise and daily activity performance. After completing the initial program, Salvatore noticed a great improvement in his health and decided to continue pulmonary rehabilitation with CentraState. "CentraState's Pulmonary Rehabilitation program is one of the best things I have done," Salvatore says. "Because of it, I am now able to walk to my mailbox without having to use supplemental oxygen." When Salvatore began the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, he went three times per week. Now he attends sessions twice a week and works on his therapy exercises using a treadmill at home. Salvatore says that he improves with every therapy session, and his ultimate goal is to completely eliminate the use of supplemental oxygen. Along with completing daily tasks, Salvatore has also returned to activities he enjoys, such as riding his motorcycle and swimming. He acknowledges that all of this is possible because of the care he received at CentraState. "When I went back in October, it was evident that the staff really cared about me and my health," Salvatore says. "Every time I go in for my sessions, they are interested in my success." For more information about CentraState's Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, visit www.centrastate.com and select "Rehabilitation Services" and then "Pulmonary Rehabilitation." HD Scan this QR code with your smartphone to sign up for a FREE COPD program on Nov. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. www.centrastate.com November/December 2012 11

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