A good program is beneficial to help with muscle strengthening. The heart and respiratory system (diaphragm) are muscles. You will begin by working out to your ability and gradually increase as you become more capable. Medication alone is not as likely to prevent progression of the disease without some form of exercise and staying active. Proper nutrition is also very important. It takes a lot of work and mental attitude to fight this disease.

A good PR program should have a good exercise component and provide good education regarding COPD and how to manage and control it. Both elements are critical to a good program. A good program should explain how exercise helps us both maintain and increase functioning, that we need to do it every day, how to continue to push ourselves slowly but surely to increase the intensity of the exercise and how to continue the program independently at home or in a gym. PR with others is nice, but not necessary and you can develop good support systems in any gym.

Saved my life!! Not all are great!

P.R. does work ! I was skeptical when I was told to go by my Dr. Maybe too I was just being lazy. I got 6 weeks into it and had to stop because my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I did notice an improve ment in my overall out look. In P.R. they also teach you how to breath while doing things.

While your husband's diagnosis is certainly top of mind right now, remember that you won't be any help to him if you aren't as strong as possible, and that includes being physically strong. Do your very best to get back to PR and working out so you can maintain your strength and stamina to help him.