Phase 3: Medical Fitness Exercise Program

Medical Fitness is a supervised exercise program designed for people living with a chronic disease or those who simply prefer more supervision during exercise. The program also offers daily educational classes as well as group strength classes. Participants who have completed the Phase 2 CHIRP program are encouraged to progress to the Phase 3 Medical Fitness program.

Our team of Medical Fitness specialists, which includes registered nurses, respiratory therapists and exercise physiologists, will create an exercise regimen designed to match your medical needs and fitness goals. While each program is personalized, all of the regimens include blood pressure and pulse monitoring during each session, a warm-up period, walking and stretching, aerobic exercises, group and individual strength training and a cool-down. Program participants have access to a wide variety of classes, state-of-the-art equipment and an indoor walking track.

In addition to building strength, endurance and confidence, Medical Fitness provides participants with the opportunity to interact with others who are coping with similar cardiac problems or chronic conditions. This sense of community provides an invaluable support network to cardiac patients and their families.

Medical Fitness is a voluntary, self-pay program that meets at the Medical Fitness Center on the 2-east floor of the hospital. For more information, call 865-977-5636.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

One good breath deserves another.

Living with chronic pulmonary disease isn't easy. And when you can't catch your breath, it can be terrifying. That's why Blount Memorial developed the pulmonary rehabilitation program. Here, people with chronic pulmonary disease get the help they need to start living life to the fullest. With our help and support, you and your loved ones can take the first small, yet substantial steps toward reconditioning and improving your overall health.

Pulmonary disease is the fourth-leading cause of death in Tennessee and accounts for billions of dollars in medical care and disability payments in the United States. Research indicates, however, that pulmonary rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions and improves the ability of those with chronic pulmonary disease to perform daily activities.

Our participants

People who have pulmonary disease and are considered by their physicians to need rehabilitation can be referred to the program. This includes those with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, interstitial fibrosis, lung transplant/reduction and sleep apnea.

Pre-program evaluation

Upon referral, a six-minute walk test and pulmonary function tests may be performed. During an initial evaluation with a registered nurse or the medical director, we will review the results and develop your plan of care.

If you meet the medical criteria for the program, you must sign a consent form before the first class.

Schedule

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a progressive, 18-visit program lasting approximately nine weeks. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and last approximately two hours. Family and friends are encouraged to attend the program's educational sessions.

Your personalized program

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a safe, medically monitored program designed to help you reduce stress, improve the quality of your life, recondition your muscles and resume most of your prior activities. The program includes three important components: exercise, education and stress management.

Exercise: Your doctor and the pulmonary rehabilitation staff will design a progressive, personalized exercise program based on your assessment. Qualified personnel supervise each exercise session and evaluate your progress. Oxygen saturation and vital signs are used to help determine safe exercise levels. Your exercise regimen progresses slowly and may include walking, treadmill, arm ergometer, bicycle ergometer, free weights, steps and other activities.

Education: Our education program is focused on the entire family. Through lectures and videos, our health educators discuss pulmonary anatomy, disease processes, stress management, medications, hygiene, and lifestyle changes. Our goal is to help you and your family learn how to live full, safe and healthy lives with pulmonary disease.

Stress management: Relaxation of the upper body allows easier breathing. Focusing on breathing techniques, panic control and relaxation helps recondition muscles and enables lungs to function without working as hard.

For more information about Blount Memorial's pulmonary rehabilitation program, call 865-977-5636.

Fees

Many health insurance plans will cover all or a portion of the costs associated with pulmonary rehabilitation. The Blount Memorial business office can provide financial planning, if needed. Call 865-977-5522 for information.