Muskingum Recreation Center’s pulmonary rehab program

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A new program to help people with pulmonary issues is now available for local residents.

The United Way and the Muskingum Recreation Center teamed up to offer a phase three pulmonary program for those suffering from lung related issues. Katie McNeil, the Resource Development Director for the United Way said, the classes are funded through a grant by the United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan counties.

“We’re here because United Way invested in a program at the Muskingum Recreation Center called the Pulmonary Rehab Program,” said McNeil. “And right now the…well actually this year, we invested in the program and they’re expanding the program not only to the land class pulmonary rehab class upstairs on their fitness floor, but also into the realm of the warm water activity pool. And this is a huge opportunity for people to work towards their healthier lifestyle.”

The classes are offered five days a week. The program helps those with chronic lung issues build cardiovascular endurance, build muscular strength, and improve their overall quality of life. Mark Paxton, the Exercise Specialist at the Rec Center, said the classes are one hour long and supervised by qualified staff.

“Individuals are enrolled in the program based on a referral from their physician,” said Paxton. “They have to have some sort of diagnosis, a lung diagnosis. We have to have a copy of any lung function testing that they have had done.”

Paxton said some clients have seen results such as reduced use of medication and increased activity without support. Participants must be a member of the Recreation Center in order to take the classes.