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It’s time to breathe easy
31 March 2008
If a chronic respiratory condition is making life hard, why not take a stand and win back your vitality?
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, an eight week course run by Tamworth Community Health, is helping many people who suffer from conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiectasis catch their breath.
Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate Laurie, who is based at Tamworth Community Health, said the free program had helped many people improve their respiratory health and get back to a more normal life through gentle exercise and education.
“The weekly two-hour sessions, run by qualified health professionals from Tamworth Community Health, involve an hour of exercise tailored to each person’s abilities,” Ms Laurie said.
“Each person’s health is assessed before they begin the program so they exercise at their own pace, supervised by a physiotherapist.”
The exercise session is followed by an education session aimed at giving people the knowledge they need to better manage their condition at home.
“Topics include education sessions on lung disease, diet, exercise, medications, using oxygen at home, panic attacks, stress management and ways to make everyday tasks easier,” Ms Laurie said.
“The program will help to improve knowledge and increase exercise tolerance so that participants can walk further and better manage their daily activities.”
Bookings are essential. Carers are welcome to attend.
For more information about the free program or to find out how to participate ask your GP or contact Jo McIlveen on 6767 7786.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767
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