Working Life: I run a gym class for patients of COPD
Majella O’Reilly, clinical specialist in pulmonary rehabilitation, Dublin North Central
I rise ahead of the gang: Erin (9), Cara (7), Dana (4). As a busy working mum, I grab the chance for a quiet coffee before the school-work circus begins.
Today I’m running a gym class for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at St Clare’s Integrated Care Hub on Griffith Avenue, Glasnevin.
I had a change of job location nearly three years ago, and it’s been a godsend for work-life balance, as it’s closer to home in Santry.
At the hub, I chat with our lovely porter, Anith Chacko, to let him know what oxygen I need for the gym.
Some patients need supplemental oxygen when exercising.
I set up the class ahead of the patients’ arrival. It’s a big open space with cross trainers, rowing machines, bikes, treadmills.
Each patient has an exercise station with a chair, a step and weights. Once the gym is set up, I check in with Elaine Deasy, my admin support, to see if there are new referrals.
If there are, they need to be triaged to see if they are suitable for exercise.
The 60-minute class is a mixture of aerobic and strengthening exercises involving circuits. Everyone goes at their own pace.
Today, Cherry Wynne, a respiratory clinical nurse specialist, assists me.
After class she gives a talk on respiratory medications. Incorporating education and exercise is vital.
Quick lunch.
I’ve another class at Cabra Parkside Community Centre. We use Dublin City Council gyms in Cabra, Ballybough, and Poppintree.
COPD Support Ireland runs support groups in these areas, and they’re fantastic. A lot of people who do my eight-week programme subsequently avail of the free exercise classes run by COPD Support Ireland.
They also help educate patients and their families about the disease, which is mainly caused by smoking.
Hometime. Evenings involve homework, family dinner, and GAA training for the kids.
Once bedtime is over, I make sure to do something for myself and go to the gym. It’s important to practice what I preach.
- To mark World COPD Day on Wednesday, November 20, COPD Support Ireland is undertaking a nationwide COPD & Me roadshow offering free spirometry breathing tests. A new booklet, COPD & Me, will also be available. Details at www.copd.ie
