Although 69-year-old James Riegel of
Baldwin, NY, has advanced emphysema,
he hasn’t been hospitalized with any
lung-related complications for over
twelve years. A retired detective, Mr.
Riegel attributes his success in managing
his condition to Winthrop’s internationally
renowned Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Program, which provides education,
exercise, group support and a home maintenance
regimen to patients with
breathing disorders.
“The Program has drastically
improved my life,” said Mr. Riegel.
Patients with asthma, emphysema,
some lung cancers or any condition that
affects the functioning of their lungs
may also benefit from Winthrop’s carefully
supervised, eight-week Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Program. Through intensive,
supervised exercise, education,
behavior modification and emotional
support, the Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Program offers patients the opportunity
to improve their lives by learning ways
to cope with their lung conditions. The
Program also helps patients gradually
improve their endurance and return to
a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Established by pulmonologist
Michael Niederman, MD, Chairman of
Winthrop’s Department of Medicine,
more than 25 years ago, and now
under the leadership of Peter Spiegler,
MD, Director of the Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Center and Medical
Director of the Respiratory Therapy
Department, the Program is staffed by
a team of registered nurses, respiratory
therapists, physical therapists, psychol -
ogists, pharmacists and social workers
who are committed to meeting the
unique needs of each patient.
“Often, a pulmonary rehabilitation
program is the single best thing, other
than stopping smoking, for patients
with chronic lung disease,” said Dr.
Spiegler. “Our multidisciplinary team
works together to create a unique plan
to help each patient improve his or her
quality of life – and that is what makes
the biggest difference.”
Dr. Spiegler,
Today I walked, perhaps one eighth of a mile. It is remarkable
only because 12 weeks ago, prior to my first visit with you, I could
barely walk six steps. It is not that I couldn’t walk – what I
couldn’t sustain was breathing.
I have been doing exercises to strengthen my lungs, upper body,
arms and legs…I have not been able to do this alone. That is
why your team has been invaluable to me…Never have I dealt
with people on such a high level of proficiency in their field. They
are true professionals!
With many thanks for your part in this program,
Renée Le Noble
Freeport, NY
In 1999, Mr. Riegel was not able to
walk more than a few steps before feeling
like he couldn’t breathe. After being
diagnosed with severe emphysema, he
was referred to Winthrop’s Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Program.
“Throughout the
Program, I was not
only provided with
valuable education,
but I was also introduced
to exercise,
which was lifechanging
for me,”
said Mr. Riegel.
Thanks to
the support he
has received, Mr.
Riegel has been able
to get back to enjoying
his life – driving,
meeting friends for
lunch and exercising
at home on his
treadmill.
“As far as I’m concerned, no successful
treatment of any lung disease can
take place without a rehabilitation program
like Winthrop’s; it’s the foundation
for the whole treatment process,” said
Mr. Riegel.
Graduates of the Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Program have access to a
rehabilitation gym at Winthrop so that
they may maintain the benefits of the
better breathing they’ve gained through
the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
– an added benefit that has helped Mr.
Riegel stay in terrific shape over the years.
Graduates also receive ongoing assistance
through Winthrop Eager Breathers
(WEB), a free support group founded
by Mara Bernstein, LRT, Administrative
Director of Pulmonary Outpatient
Services at Winthrop, who is devoted to
the development and enhancement of
advocacy programs for patients with
COPD and had a pivotal role in the
development and operation of the
Pulmonary Rehabilitation program
at Winthrop.
At monthly meetings led by a
healthcare specialist, members discuss
a wide range of educational topics,
including how to communicate with
their physician, holistic approaches to
treatment and relaxation and stress
management techniques.
“Graduates who attend our monthly
Winthrop Eager Breather meetings say
the biggest benefit that they receive is
the feeling of inclusiveness and not being
alone,” said Ms. Bernstein. “It really
helps to go somewhere where they can
share experiences with others who understand
what they are going through.”
Experts in Winthrop’s Institute for
Lung Care diagnose and manage the
full range of pulmonary conditions,
including sleep disorders and lung
cancer. For more information about
pulmonary care at Winthrop, call
1-866-WINTHROP.
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Vol. 22, No. 3
Winter 2012
Back to Publications
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