Rehabilitation Services at St. Luke’s Hospital will host a free community health talk as part of its Rehab Education Series on Wednesday, July 13, focusing on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Led by licensed professionals from the Rehab Center and Respiratory Therapy departments, the program will take place 1-3 p.m. in the hospital boardroom. Light refreshments will be provided.

“COPD is a disease that most people have heard of but don’t know much about,” Jamie Cehlar, DPT, said. “Our presentation will go in depth about what it is, the possible causes, how to detect it, and how to treat it.”

According to the COPD Foundation, COPD is an umbrella term used to describe several lung diseases that cause breathlessness that worsens over time. COPD affects 24 million Americans, with nearly half of those people unaware that they are afflicted.

Cehlar will be joined by co-presenters Shannon McCool, CCC-SLP, of the St. Luke’s Hospital Rehab Center, and Jim Karcanes, RRT, from Respiratory Therapy.

“COPD is very common, specifically for smokers and people over 40 years old, but this class is for everyone.” Cehlar said, “We will discuss ways to prevent symptoms from developing and good practices in caring for loved ones who may have COPD, too.”

Rehab Education Series lectures are held monthly on selected Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m., in order to inform the public about topics related to physical, occupational, speech, and hand therapy. Pre-registration is required to attend. Space is limited and light refreshments are served.

To register or for more information on any Rehab Education Series presentation, call 828-894-8419.

– article submitted

by Cody Owens