Taking ‘steps’ to improve your health

A Moreton Bay complex chronic disease rehabilitation program is continuing to change the lives of hundreds of patients experiencing severe respiratory or heart conditions each year.

For cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program graduate Jody Allison, it’s all about enjoying the simple things in life, and often the things you often take for granted such as walking or routine activities around the home.

“There was a time I struggled to walk up to 15 metres without stopping, but I wanted to be able to function in everyday life and in particular, interact with and play with my four grandchildren (who range in age from four to 14),” Jody said.

“I experience fibromyalgia which causes severe muscle pain and shortness of breath and has had a big impact on my life.

“By starting an eight-week exercise program I noticed a difference in my breathing within a month, at the end of it I was surprised by my results and could complete the six-minute walking assessment.”

Jody is like many people in our community who suffer from a chronic respiratory condition or heart condition, making it a lot more difficult for them to maintain their independence, mobility, and function.

As part of the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program, delivered by Metro North Health’s Complex Chronic Disease Team, Jody undertook two gym sessions each week over a period of eight weeks at the Burpengary Leisure Centre.

“I completed a number of exercise routines which involved walking, bicep curls, resistance training, arm cycle exercises, steps, leg raises, weights and bike riding,” Jody said.

“The girls (physiotherapists, nurse and clinical assistant) were absolutely amazing, they constantly checked on me to see how I was before and during the exercises.

“Now that I am finished the program, they have provided me with a care plan for home, as I have to keep up the exercise program to maintain my fitness level.”
Complex Chronic Disease Team Senior Physiotherapist Erin Victor said that Jody’s results were quite exceptional given that she also experienced an extra bout of Influenza A and pneumonia during her recovery.
“Rehabilitation is one of the most important interventions for people diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a cardiac condition,” Erin said.

“The benefits can increase physical fitness and functioning, and reduce breathlessness and hospital admissions.”
The cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program also includes rehabilitation for people with heart conditions needing the skills they need to build healthy heart habits and to help with recovery.

Each year around 400 people in the northern Moreton Bay region have benefited from the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program delivered at the Burpengary Leisure Centre.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs are also delivered at North Lakes Health Precinct, and cardiac rehabilitation at Chermside and North Lakes with more than 1,600 patients benefiting from this unique service each year.