For most chronic obstructive pulmonary disease sufferers, exacerbations of this condition are the most common cause of admission to the hospital, especially in the flu-ridden fall and winter months. Much emphasis has been put on programs to reduce the numbers of readmission.

According to Tino Manco, administrator for Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center, pulmonary rehabilitation is one way to curb the revolving door of frequent hospital stays. Manco is on two local tasks forces at the Winter Haven Hospital and the Polk County Coalition. His community emphasis is to decrease patient’s risk for hospital re-entry.