My name is Ohad Ohana, and I am a specialist rehabilitation trainer in cardio-respiratory and neuro-orthopedic rehabilitation. I established and managed the Respiratory Rehabilitation Institute at Rambam Hospital for 10 years, treating hundreds of patients annually. I closely witnessed the daily suffering of respiratory patients, their emotional distress, loneliness, pain, feelings of guilt, and their constant reliance on family and friends.

During my work at the hospital, I observed how hospitals in Israel fail to meet the unique needs of respiratory patients. I would start with a group of 15-20 patients and end up with only 5. That’s a discharge rate of about 70%, with treatment sessions scheduled only twice a week. Many chronic respiratory patients simply stopped coming for treatment and diagnosis at hospitals. Until they see a pulmonologist or a family doctor, their condition may significantly worsen, leading to recurring hospitalizations.

Chronic respiratory patients require specialized treatment ideally once a day or more. They need respiratory rehabilitation, breathing exercises, or else their condition may deteriorate, leading to respiratory failure and repeated hospitalizations. Patients who don’t engage in daily respiratory rehabilitation may be hospitalized 5 to 10 times a year (for 3-5 days each time), living from one hospitalization to the next.

I decided I wanted to find a safer, more convenient, and effective way to help chronic respiratory patients. That’s why I developed a unique application called Active Lungs, which addresses all the needs of respiratory patients in Israel, especially COPD patients. Through Active Lungs, we improve the physical respiratory capacity of respiratory patients in Israel, enabling them to lead fulfilling daily lives.