COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) stands for:

Chronic means it is a long-term condition that will not go away.
Obstructive means limiting airflow.
Pulmonary means affecting the lungs.
Disease means an alteration in the state of the lungs.

COPD is a common lung disease that obstructs the airways, making breathing difficult. It is an umbrella term that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The right exercise can reduce breathlessness, fatigue, anxiety and depression, improves exercise capacity, emotional function and health-related quality of life and enhances sense of control over the condition.

Exercise program for better lung function

COPD Education and Self-management Program

Education based program allowing for self-management of condition.
The COPD Education and Self-management Program involve team coordinated care including your GP/specialist, Clinical Pharmacist, Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist.
Initial assessment is completed by the Exercise Physiologist (EP).
Group based education sessions with the EP, Dietitian and Clinical Pharmacist.
Small groups of 6-10 people with each session lasting for 60 minutes.
Individual follow-ups sessions and exercise maintenance programs may also be available after program completion.

Some of the topics covered are:

Importance of quitting smoking
Stages of COPD
Breathing techniques/managing breathlessness.
Correct use of medication
Nutrition/ healthy eating
Understanding the physiology of your condition
Coping with chronic lung disease and management of depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
Exercise for COPD

What you need to do to start the program:

Speak to your local GP to see if you are eligible for the COPD Education and Self-management Program.
Arrange to see the Exercise Physiologist for your initial assessment.
Await details for the program