Respiratory – Pulmonary Care
at NorthStar Medical Specialists
Pulmonary Rehab Brochure
New Patient Packet
COPD Self Test
Breathe Survey
Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Respiratory Therapy
Bellingham’s Leading Pulmonary Rehab Program
Pulmonary Rehabilitation has become an important tool to reduce symptoms and complications of chronic lung diseases. NorthStar Medical Specialists offers Bellingham’s only comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory therapy services, utilizing respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists, and physicians as a team approach to help patients improve their day-to-day lives.
Breathe Better, Live Better
Our main goal of Pulmonary Rehabilitation is to restore your ability to do the things you enjoy, without getting so short of breath. At NorthStar Medical Specialists we can also help you:
Decrease your shortness of breath
Increase your physical stamina and endurance
Manage depression and anxiety linked to chronic illness
Maintain healthy behaviors such as good nutrition, tobacco cessation and a home exercise program
Learn more about your disease, medications, and other treatment options
Breathe easier and save energy with simple techniques.
Learn how to avoid triggers that can make breathing harder.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Indications
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is designed specifically for those with a chronic lung disease who are experiencing disabling symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and/or mucus production. Some examples of chronic lung diseases include:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
What to Expect in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation at NorthStar is a personalized program designed to help you breathe easier, feel stronger, and improve your overall quality of life. Through a combination of evaluation, exercise, and education, we work with you one-on-one to create a plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Here’s how we do it:
1
Evaluation
The first step in Pulmonary Rehabilitation is identifying your specific needs and challenges. Every individual is different, so we begin with a thorough evaluation that may include reviewing your medical history, current symptoms, physical abilities, and lifestyle factors.
This helps us set meaningful, personalized goals and ensure your care plan focuses on what’s most relevant to you — nothing more, nothing less. It’s all about making your rehab experience effective, efficient, and tailored to support your best possible outcome.
2
Exercise
Exercise will help your body use oxygen more efficiently, making it easier for you to breathe. Exercise also helps strengthen muscles, and improve your motivation and state of mind. If you are not in good physical condition, or have never exercised, don’t worry. We will work with you to develop an exercise program designed specifically for you, that you can follow at home.
3
Education
In addition to exercise training, we provide tailored education sessions on a one-on-one basis. Our education includes a wide variety of topics including:
- Understanding your lung disease
- Medications-what they are and how to take them
- Understanding and using oxygen therapy
- Breathing techniques to control shortness of breath
- Diet, nutrition, and weight management
Emotional & Physical Support for Chronic Lung Disease
Emotional Support for Chronic Lung Conditions
Living with a chronic lung disease can bring emotional challenges such as:
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Increased feelings of loneliness
If you’re experiencing any of these, our licensed social worker is here to help. We provide personalized support along with training in:
- Relaxation techniques
- Coping strategies
- Skills to manage anxiety and depression
How Pulmonary Rehabilitation Can Help
Pulmonary Rehabilitation has been proven to improve both physical and emotional well-being for people with lung disorders. Our program combines:
- Physical training to build strength and endurance
- Emotional and behavioral support to enhance mental health
- Tools and education to help you function more independently
Is It Right for You?
Patients with mild to severe symptoms can benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Every program is tailored to fit your unique needs and personal goals.
Talk to your physician about whether Pulmonary Rehab is right for you, or call us directly at 360-676-1696 to learn more.
Breathing Survey
5 Questions
Once you’ve answered all five questions, tally your points to find your overall breathing score.
- During the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did you feel short of breath?
None of the time
0 points
A little of the time
0 points
Some of the time
0 points
Most of the time
2 points
All of the time
2 points
2. Do you ever cough up any “stuff,’’ such as mucus or phlegm?
No, never
0 points
Occasionally - cold or chest infection
0 points
Yes, a few days a month
1 point
Yes, most days a week
1 point
Yes, every day
2 points
3. Please select the answer that best describes you in the past 12 months. I do less than I used to because of my breathing problems.
Strongly disagree
0 points
Disagree
0 points
Unsure
0 points
Agree
1 point
Strongly agree
2 points
4. Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your ENTIRE LIFE?
No
0 points
Yes
2 points
Don't Know
0 points
5. How old are you?
Age 35 to 49
0 points
Age 50 to 59
1 point
Age 60 to 69
2 points
Age 70+
2 points
How to score the survey:
In the spaces below, write the number that is next to your answer for each of the questions. Add the numbers to get the total score. The total score can range from 0 to 10.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
If your total score is 5 or more, your breathing problems may be caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is often referred to as chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema and is a serious lung disease that slowly gets worse over time. While COPD cannot be cured, it is treatable.
Please share the completed survey with your doctor. The higher your score, the more likely you are to have COPD. Your doctor can help evaluate your breathing problems by performing a simple breathing test, also known as spirometry.
If your total score is between 0 and 4, and you experience problems with your breathing, please share this survey with your doctor. Your doctor can help evaluate any type of breathing problem.
Contact Us
Get in touch to explore your options or schedule a consultation.
Call now: (360) 676-1696
1345 King Street
Bellingham, WA 98229
Contact Info
Tel: (360) 676-1696
Fax: (360) 676-6636
Address:
1345 King Street
Bellingham, WA 98229