REHAB CENTER GIVES SENIORS A BREATH OF HOPE.

Byline: - Jaime Sprangrude

Ely Sorkin and his wife, Marina, give senior citizens with respiratory problems hope for a breathable future.

The Tarzana couple own and operate Valley CORF Inc., the San Fernando Valley's only pulmonary rehabilitation center. The facility offers full- scale pulmonary rehabilitation and physical therapy services for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis.

``Hospitals started closing and that left a void in this service that's so vital for seniors with COPD,'' says Ely, the center's chief executive officer. ``We have all the modalities to rehabilitate a patient.''

The 3,600-square-foot facility houses two gyms for its 30 patients, who range in age from 50 to 90 years old. The program is eight to 12 weeks long and is covered by Medicare and most private insurances, and patients must be referred by their doctors. Two respiratory therapists and two physical therapists are on hand to assist patients, who come three times a week for hourlong sessions.

``They function much better in everyday life,'' Ely says. ``It improves their quality of life rather than just sustaining it.''

A session with a respiratory therapist involves individual monitoring during exercises that include lifting weights to increase upper body strength, working out on stationary bikes and treadmills, and learning breathing techniques. Physical therapy is used to alleviate simple aches and pains as well as problems associated with strokes, such as dizziness. Patients are taught fall prevention and balancing techniques, too.

``Our motto is 'Helping Patients Do More and Feel Better,' '' says Ely. ``Just seeing the patient come in crying and then graduating from the program - seeing them enjoy life again is so rewarding.''

When Tarzana resident Jan Rogoway, 70, first came to the center, she was diagnosed with emphysema and carpal tunnel syndrome, suffered lower back problems and had to sleep with oxygen every night. After 12 weeks of one-on-one respiratory and physical therapy, Rogoway says she feels better than ever and no longer needs to sleep with her oxygen tank.

``Therapy taught me how to breathe properly,'' she says. ``The program was very caring, warm, professional and a great atmosphere. When you're in an atmosphere with other people going through the same problems, you're not alone. You form a camaraderie with the whole group, with the therapists and with the other people.''

Valley CORF has big plans for its near future. Ely Sorkin plans to create a COPD support group featuring lectures and guest speakers who can teach patients the benefits of smoking cessation. He also plans to acquire a van to transport patients to and from the facility.

Valley CORF Inc. offers respiratory and physical therapy services for suffering seniors, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 5620 Wilbur Ave., Suite 103, Tarzana. For more information, call [phone].

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Photo:

Gordon Dawson, 66, of Woodland Hills works out under the eye of respiratory therapist Peter Jaeger at Valley CORF, a pulmonary rehabilitation center in Tarzana.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer