Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Health Sciences Faculty, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation academic staff member Assist. Prof. Dr. İlker Yatar made a statement regarding the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week. Said statement reads as follows:
“Let’s Strengthen the Respiratory Health”
“Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week: Let’s Strengthen the Respiratory Health!”
Observed every year on the second week of March, the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week aims to create awareness on chronic respiratory diseases within the community, as well as underscoring the importance of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR). Although the efficiency and benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation has been recorded, the number of centers in our country and all around the world are rather low and, the patients’ accessibility rates to these centers are limited. Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Health Sciences strives its efforts to raise awareness and support public health.
“What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?”
PR is a comprehensive, science-based program aimed at enhancing respiratory function, improving quality of life, and supporting the management of respiratory diseases. It is designed for individuals with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), Pulmonary Hypertension, Cystic Fibrosis, post-COVID syndrome, and those undergoing lung surgery or transplantation. The program is personalized based on a detailed assessment of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, exercise capacity, quality of life, and psychological well-being.
“Exercise is An Inseparable Part of Training!”
Exercise training which is a core element of PR, focuses on improving patients’ cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and respiratory capacity. Furthermore, patients are educated on:
- - Effective breathing techniques,
- - Energy conservation methods,
- - The significance of adhering to treatment.
The program includes initiatives that encourage behavioural changes, such as smoking cessation, enhancing physical activity, and developing healthy eating habits.
“Psychological Support is Also a Must!”
Chronic respiratory diseases like COPD impact not only physical health but also mental well-being. Conditions such as anxiety and depression can reduce patients’ quality of life. To address this, PR programs offer counselling and psychosocial support to enhance mental health and overall well-being.
“PR’s Contributions to Health are Immense”
- - Enables patients to carry out daily tasks with reduced shortness of breath.
- - Improves respiratory muscle strength and overall physical stamina.
- - Lowers the number of hospital admissions and frequency of flare-ups.
- - Improves quality of life by simplifying symptom management.
“Efficiency of PR by the Virtue of Scientific Evidence”
Global health guidelines highlight the importance of incorporating PR as the standard treatment for chronic respiratory conditions. Research has demonstrated that PR enhances exercise tolerance, decreases hospital admissions, and allows patients to carry out daily activities with greater ease.
“EMU’s Contribution to Public Health!”
In line with its mission of protecting and improving public health, Eastern Mediterranean University, Health Sciences Faculty continues to carry out awareness projects within the scope of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week. It’s important to remember that preventing the onset of a disease is more effective and easier than treating it. Educating the community about the risk factors and prevention strategies for chronic respiratory diseases is essential for the development of healthy generations.
Lastly, remember to take these steps to maintain your respiratory health and enhance your quality of life:
- - Engage in regular physical activity,
- - Quit smoking,
- - Maintain a balanced and healthy diet,
- - Benefit from professional support opportunities such as Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
- - A healthier breath and a much more active life are possible with Pulmonary Rehabilitation!
