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Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Assisting and educating persons suffering with lung disease is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. Sister Kenne Froehlich, a physical therapy assistant, is in mission doing pulmonary rehabilitation work at the Atrium Physical Therapy Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She describes her ministry as, "helping with wellness in the community." The women and men Sister Kenne serves suffer from lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. She conducts a 2-month program of 24 sessions with them, to teach better breathing and increase strength and endurance. The pulmonary rehabilitation program includes: aerobic endurance activities; breathing exercises and ventilatory muscle training; strengthening and stretching; body mechanics and ergonomics training; and airway clearance techniques. Educational sessions cover: the function of the lungs; breathing techniques; effects of exercise; pulmonary hygiene; oxygen therapy; and techniques for relaxing and saving energy. Most of Sister Kenne's patients range in age from their late 60s to early 80s. Some are on oxygen, and some are hoping to get a lung transplant. All are referred by a physician, who then receives 30-day reports on their progress. "This is the perfect job at this time for me," says Sister Kenne. She and Dennis Prickett, a physical therapist who is the owner and manager of Atrium, have worked together for over 6 years. They also treat patients who have other diagnoses requiring physical therapy, such as orthopedic problems of the shoulders, knees, or hips. If patients are able, they continue with a fitness regimen at the Atrium Center after their physical therapy is completed. They also may choose to take yoga, tai chi, dance aerobics, or jazzercise at the center. Many of them also enjoy having coffee and socializing at the center, where new friendships offer support and encouragement.
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