An interview with Emphysema sufferer Glen Farnsworth
By Eloise Morrison-Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Did you know that exercise for clients with COPD/Asthma can improve breathing technique, maximise muscle tone and strength, build patient confidence and optimise your heart health?
At Northside Allied Health we service multiple clients with COPD and breathing conditions just like Emphysema sufferer Glen Farnsworth (interview down below). As Exercise Physiologists we are trained to prescribe and supervise safe rehabilitation with clients with lung and breathing difficulties that can aid in improving client quality of life.
What is COPD?
The Lung Foundation Australia defines Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as a long-term disease of the lungs which causes shortness of breath. It is important to understand that COPD is an umbrella term that includes other conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma (which isn’t fully reversible).
COPD currently is the leading cause of death and disease burden after heart disease, stroke and cancer, with one in seven Australians 40 years or over having airflow limitation of the lungs.
At present there is no cure for COPD, however there are several ways to manage the condition and increase quality of life – one of these being (yes you guessed it) EXERCISE!
But is it safe to exercise if I have COPD?
Yes! Especially when the exercise is prescribed to cater for your unique condition and you are being supervised by a professional.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) cites that exercise for clients with COPD can build patient confidence, maximise muscle tone and strength, improve breathing technique and optimise your heart health.
It is important to remember that exercise itself cannot cure COPD, but it can change the way you feel, breathe, and ability to continue living life to the fullest.
Below is Northside Allied Health client Glen Farnsworth talking about his experience with COPD and exercise.
Q1.Could you explain what type of COPD/Asthma you have and how long you have had it?
I have COPD and more specifically, Emphysema. I have had lung and breathing issues since 1986 that have slowly deteriorated to where I am today – which is sitting around 25% of lung function.
Q2.Could you explain the impact this has had on your day to day life?
My life has changed and been impacted enormously. I can no longer do day to day to stuff like some walking, putting the washing on the line, gardening etc. It just takes too much ‘effort’ and energy which my body can’t provide. Another big change is that now I have to get people to do stuff for me. I have a cleaner, gardener etc. This all leads to moments of depression, not being able to do things for myself, not able to play with grandkids like I used to – it’s hard.
Q3.Could you explain how exercise has helped you manage your COPD?
After starting a prescribed exercise program, I am more aware of my energy levels and how to manage them. Exercise helps me keep up my current fitness ability and I am working on gaining strength. I also really enjoy the social aspect with clinicians and other clients. Exercise is giving me hope that I’m going to remain independent for a while yet!
Q4.Are you happy you’ve started regularly exercising with an Exercise Physiologist?
Yes! I really see exercise and general fitness as the key to keeping my ability to live alone and function independently.
If you have COPD/Asthma or know someone with COPD/Asthma that would like more information on Exercise Physiology sessions please give us a call on 0412 740 322.
Find more information on COPD at: