Lungs in Action Wentworthville
Introduction to Medicare Diabetes Program
Living with a chronic lung condition can make daily activities challenging, but with the right support and exercise, you can maintain and even improve your quality of life. Our Lungs in Action program, developed in collaboration with the Lung Foundation Australia, is designed to provide safe, supportive exercise specifically tailored for people with chronic lung conditions or heart failure.
This community-based program offers a safe environment where you can build strength, increase endurance, and regain confidence in your physical abilities. Whether you've recently completed a pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation program or are looking to stay active with the right guidance, Lungs in Action is here to support you.
Who is Lungs in Action For?
Lungs in Action is specifically designed for individuals with chronic lung conditions or stable chronic heart failure who have already completed a pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation program. This program is ideal if you’re looking to continue with exercise under the supervision of qualified professionals who understand your health needs.
Participants often have conditions such as:
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
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Pulmonary Fibrosis
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Bronchiectasis
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Asthma
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Chronic Heart Failure
If you or a loved one fits this description, our program can help maintain health improvements achieved during rehabilitation.
Benefits of Lungs in Action
Our Lungs in Action program provides tailored exercise in a safe, supervised setting. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved Breathing and Endurance: Structured exercises designed to strengthen your muscles and improve lung capacity.
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Increased Physical Independence: Gain confidence and capability in daily activities, from climbing stairs to managing daily routines.
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Social Support: Connect with others who understand your challenges and share your journey, building a sense of community and shared encouragement.
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Ongoing Guidance: With our trained Exercise Physiologists, you’ll receive expert support to exercise safely and effectively for your condition.
By joining Lungs in Action, you’re not just staying active; you’re taking control of your health and enhancing your quality of life.
What to Expect in a Lungs in Action Session
Every Lungs in Action session is designed with your safety and comfort in mind. Here’s what a typical session involves:
Warm-Up: Gentle movements to prepare your body and ease into exercise.
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Strength and Endurance Exercises: Exercises tailored to improve lung capacity, build strength, and increase stamina, all carefully supervised by our trained Exercise Physiologists.
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Breathing Techniques: We incorporate breathing exercises to help you manage shortness of breath and improve lung function.
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Cool-Down and Stretching: A relaxing cool-down period to bring your heart rate down and stretch muscles.
Sessions are paced according to each participant’s ability and are designed to be safe and enjoyable, helping you stay active while managing your condition.
Frequently Asked Question
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What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?AEP is an allied health professional who can help manage a number of chronic (long term) conditions by designing and delivering safe exercises. An AEP can help you manage diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, falls risk, osteoporosis, COPD, Parkinson's disease, stroke, chronic pain and many more. AEPs can also help you make lifestyle changes, whether you're looking to lose weight or get stronger, to help prevent chronic conditions.
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What types of treatments or exercises will my EP sessions involve?Our Exercise Physiologists focus on active, exercise-based treatments rather than passive modalities like massage or TENS. Your sessions will include exercises tailored to your needs, such as strength, flexibility, or aerobic activities, depending on your goals.
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What is the difference between an AEP and a physiotherapist?Let's first look at what is similar. AEPs and physiotherapists are both university qualified health professionals recognized under the Medicare program, DVA and private health care. Physiotherapists help to manage injuries and pain through a range of hands-on techniques. These include massage, dry needling, joint mobilization and so on. Typically, a person may see a physiotherapist shortly after they have an injury such as a fracture, neck or back pain and range of other joint and muscle pains. Physiotherapists aim to stop the injury from getting worse while managing pain levels and also restore movement of the joint. AEPs on the other hand will help manage the condition over the long term. They use their expertise of exercise prescription to help improve your balance and get stronger so everyday tasks are easier to perform. AEPs also help the client make behavioural and lifestyle changes and educate the clients to self-manage their own condition.
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What is the difference between an AEP and a personal trainer?Let's first look at what is similar. AEPs and personal trainers both design and prescribe exercise programs. Personal trainers are qualified to work with healthy populations. The training to be a personal trainer takes approximately 6 weeks in which they are taught about the body and exercise programming. AEPs are qualified to work with a range of clients, including healthy as well as those with a chronic (long term) conditions. All AEPs complete a 4 year university degree in which they are taught about the body, exercise programming, latest research, a range of clinical conditions and their management. All AEPs complete 500 hours of supervised practice before they can be called an AEP.
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What do you mean by 'exercise'?This is a great question. Often times, I can see the anxiety set in when I mention the word 'exercise'. However, an exercise is any activity that you perform for the purpose of improving your health or preventing harm. It can be as simple as breathing to as intense as running a marathon. If you do something that is too easy, then it' does not bring you much benefit. Whereas if you do something that is too hard, you may give it up or even hurt yourself. This is why it is important to consult a exercise professional about what type, amount and frequency of exercise is right for you.