The general public might associate wearable health technology more so with 'cardio' than the 'pulmonary,' but these devices are making strides in monitoring chronic lung disease. UVM Health internist Elie Donath, MD, MPH, offers his expert insight on how — under the watchful guidance and involvement of cardiopulmonary professionals — wearables can support behavior change and early detection of declining chronic respiratory disease in users.

Kevin G. Tayon, MD, and Bryan J. Taylor, PhD, FAACVPR trace the origins of Takotsubo syndrome—from its first puzzling presentation in 1983 Hiroshima to its recognition as “broken-heart syndrome” after a surge of cases following the 2004 Chūetsu earthquake. Explore how intense emotional or physical stress can temporarily stun the heart, highlighting both the medical mystery and human stories behind this unique condition.

Staying active in winter can be tough for cardiopulmonary rehab patients, but understanding how cold air stresses the heart and lungs — and taking simple precautions — helps keep workouts safe and effective even when temperatures drop.

Kim Loeffler, MS offers clear tips on layering, warming up, protecting your airways, and recognizing warning signs so patients can maintain their rehab goals all season long.

By James D. Walter, PhD

Discover why adding small bursts of movement to your day—not just formal exercise—can transform your health and longevity.

The holiday season can magnify feelings of loneliness and social isolation for older adults with chronic heart and lung conditions. Learn to recognize the signs of loneliness in your patients and understand the role cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation plays in providing routine, consistency, and community.

If you really want to make cardiopulmonary rehab professionals jump out of their skin this Halloween, send them a patient who’s actively using cannabis. Whether for medical or recreational purposes, Sherrie Khadanga, MD, explains that the potential effect of marijuana on heart health is exactly the same: gravely serious.

Malloree Rice, MS, ACSM-CEP, CCRP emphasizes the importance of inclusive and accessible care in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, particularly for patients who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision. It offers practical strategies for improving communication and engagement, such as using in-person interpreters and adapting educational materials to meet diverse patient needs.

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Pulmonary rehabilitation, originally developed for COPD, is now being increasingly recognized as beneficial for lung cancer patients—especially those undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation—by improving lung function, exercise capacity, and recovery outcomes, prompting calls for tailored PR guidelines for this population.