“Lungs in Action has given me the opportunity to continue to exercise regularly after finishing pulmonary rehabilitation. If I am not able to attend for a week, I really miss it. ” – Viola, Gold Coast Lungs in Action Participant
Lung Foundation Australia welcomes $395,000 in funding over two years from the Federal Government to enhance its exercise maintenance program, Lungs in Action, which supports thousands of Australians to live well with their lung condition.
The funding was announced on Tuesday as part of the Government’s $19 million investment in the Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity program.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke thanked the Minister for Youth and Sport, The Hon Richard Colbeck for recognising the importance of providing affordable access to safe and educational exercise maintenance programs for Australians impacted by a lung condition.
“For the 1 in 3 Australians impacted by a lung condition, Lungs in Action can offer incredible benefits not only physically, but also providing a crucial opportunity to connect with other people who understand the challenges of living with a debilitating condition,” Mr Brooke said.
“We have seen this sense of community shine brighter than ever during recent months as we had to make the difficult decision to temporarily pause face-to-face Lungs in Action classes. Despite the distance, groups across the country have been meeting virtually to check in on each other and encourage one another to keep moving.”
Lung Foundation Australia is proud to support 94 Lungs in Action locations across the country running almost 160 classes collectively each week.
Research has shown that exercising is highly beneficial for people living with a lung condition. In fact, it is widely recognised that one of the best things you can do for yourself is regularly exercise to help maintain your fitness, improve your wellbeing and even reduce symptoms such as breathlessness.
“This funding will allow us to continue to grow and transform this program to ensure every Australian has access to expert and tailored support to live their best life.”
“This program is crucial to arming participants with the skills and knowledge to keep up their physical fitness and maintain improvements gained through pulmonary rehabilitation to improve their overall wellbeing. We know both instructors and participants are eager to get back into classes and we can’t wait to see that happen in the coming months.”