MOULTRIE, Ga. — Sterling Group Pulmonology recently announced a new service for patients with pulmonary conditions.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise program that provides comprehensive care to COPD patients greater than 40 years of age. When referred to the program, patients will work with a team of healthcare professionals including a pulmonologist and a respiratory therapist.

In addition to the physical component of the program, there are also education sessions that cover the topics of medication management, breathing retraining, understanding and using oxygen therapy, symptom assessment, and diet, nutrition and weight management.

“We are so excited to offer this service to our patients,” said Sterling Group pulmonologist Michael Brown, M.D. “The goal of our program is to improve the patient’s quality of life through education and exercise. We give our patients all the tools needed to be successful and are right there with them every step of the way providing guidance and encouragement.”

The benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation include increased energy level, improved endurance and stamina, and reduced anxiety and depression associated with COPD and increased knowledge of the condition. It has also been proven to decrease days spent in the hospital and help improve patients’ highest level of independent function.

The pulmonary rehabilitation program at Sterling Group Pulmonology is led by Brown and Ann Potts, RRT, NPS and is available for many patients that have chronic bronchitis, sarcoidosis, lung cancer, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis.

“Our pulmonology team has done a great job developing this program. They are constantly looking ahead and identifying services that will provide additional benefits for our patients,” said Colquitt Regional CEO Jim Matney. “This particular rehabilitation has already proven very effective, and we are seeing a huge difference in our patients who participate.”

For more information, contact Potts at 229-985-4469 or visit www.colquittregional.com.