Group Health Centre - Sault Ste Marie - McNabb St - Algoma Respiratory Education Program

Services provided to the people of the Algoma district who have, or are at risk of developing, respiratory problems * certified respiratory educators provide evidence-based screening, assessment, treatment, education and support in order to assist individuals improve their quality of life * assists clients who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or who need screening for lung disease

Clients with asthma learn:

• how to use puffers and how to take medication as prescribed
• warning signs and symptoms of reactions to watch for and how to know allergic and non-allergic triggers
• how to avoid exposure to triggers by changing your environment
• importance of not smoking and living in a smoke-free environment
• managing asthma using an action plan and peak flow monitoring (meter that measures the amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs)

Clients with COPD work with a team of health care professionals including a certified respiratory educator, kinesiologist, dietitian and social worker * this team provides education and support about:

• causes of COPD and what you can do about it
• how COPD affects your lungs
• help to quit smoking
• medications and how to take them
• how to check how you are doing
• recognizing if you have a chest infection and knowing the steps to take
• exercise and conserving your energy
• managing stress in your life
• following a healthy diet