Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD) is a disease that blocks the lungs, causing less air to flow in and out, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Learning how to manage your COPD can reduce or even eliminate symptoms. The Vaughan Community Health Centre (VCHC) COPD Program aims to improve quality of life for people living with COPD.
Participants of our program will:
- Gain an understanding of COPD
- Learn how to self-manage their symptoms
- Increase activity tolerance and range of motion
- Learn how to plan meals
- Socialize within a group setting
Our Team
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) who is also a Certified Respiratory Educator monitors, assesses, treats, and educates individuals who have difficulty breathing due to COPD and other lung health conditions.
Registered Kinesiologist is a trained healthcare professional who helps to prevent injury and improve health and wellness. Kinesiologists address the physiological and mechanical needs of the body.
Service Description
Services are provided by Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)/Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) and Registered Kinesiologist. Services include group programs and one-on-one.
- Group exercise
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Self-management education
- Medication and healthy eating counselling
- On-site spirometry testing (by physician referral only)
- Medication education
- Smoking cessation counselling
- COPD support group
Who We Serve
- Have a known lung condition
- Feeling short of breath
- Present or past smoker
Where to Access
- Available at Vaughan and Keswick locations for in-person and virtual appointments
How to Access
- Physicians/Nurse Practitioner referral
- Self-referral by completing the self-referral form or calling 905-303-8490 Ext. 2
- Primary care providers can download a client referral form here: Download COPD Referral Form for Primary Care Providers (PDF)
What our clients say after attending our programs: (self-reported)
- Improved shortness of breath
- Reduced hospital visits
- Improved activity tolerance
- Improved capacity for daily activities
How do I know if I have COPD?
Take this quick test:
- I cough regularly
- I cough up phlegm regularly
- I feel even simple chores make me short of breath
- I wheeze when I exert myself
I get many colds, and my colds usually last longer than my friends’ or family. If you have answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, you may have symptoms of COPD
Have more questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
Access our current programs:
COPD Virtual Care Group
