Exercise is vitally important for lung fibrosis patients and ILFA’s exercise resources encourage you to exercise safely while taking your health limitations into account.
Speak with your respiratory nurse specialist, physiotherapist, and doctor for more information about the benefits of exercise and how to get started.
ILFA’s Exercise Resources
Some of ILFA’s exercise resources are included below. These are available free of charge to lung fibrosis patients and healthcare professionals working in respiratoy medicine. Please contact ILFA to request our free resources.
ILFA Therabands for performing stretching exercises
Online Exercise Classes with ILFA
ILFA’s online exercise classes for lung fibrosis patients take place weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday via Zoom. The classes are free of charge to all lung fibrosis patients who are registered as members with ILFA. The classes are led by a Respiratory Physiotherapist. Please register in advance to receive safety information and advice for the classes. Email info@ilfa.ie or call 086 871 5264 to join the class. We look forward to seeing you!
Click here if you would like to know more about using Zoom. If you have any questions about using Zoom to join the classes, please get in touch and we will talk you through the process.
Walking is an ideal exercise for Lung Fibrosis patients
The 2000 Steps a Day Challenge was specifically designed for Lung Fibrosis patients. This challenge aims to help you achieve your best level of fitness and wellbeing while considering your limitations and oxygen requirements. The 2000 Steps a Day Challenge was devised by Ms. Irene Byrne, Senior Physiotherapist with the Heart and Lung Transplant Unit at the Mater University Hospital Dublin and developed with ILFA.
The ILFA 2000 Steps a Day walking pack contains
The 2000 Steps a Day leaflet that explains the benefits of walking for Lung Fibrosis patients and gives tips and advice on how to get started and stay safe. Click here to read the Get Moving with ILFA 2000 Steps a Day Challenge leaflet.
An inspirational poem called “Promises to Yourself” by Christian D. Larson and a Contract for Success for you to sign and commit to the 2000 Steps a Day Challenge.
A pedometer (step counter) to estimate the number of steps you take, the distance travelled (miles and kilometres) and the number of calories used when walking.
A high visibility reflector vest to help keep you and your walking companion safe while out walking. The reflector vests have been kindly supplied to ILFA by the Road Safety Authority.
An exercise diary to record your progress with the 2000 Steps a Day Challenge.
An ILFA pen.
A Donation card if you would like to make a donation to ILFA.
We hope that you will enjoy this exercise challenge and it will motivate you to incorporate an extra 2000 steps into your daily routine. We want you to use the programme to help kick start, improve and maintain your level of fitness.
How to order your 2000 Steps Walking Pack
Please contact ILFA to request your 2000 Steps a Day walking pack.
All of ILFA’s resources are provided free of charge to lung fibrosis patients registered with ILFA and to healthcare professionals working in respiratory medicine.
The History of ILFA’s 2000 Steps a Day Walking Challenge
The 2000 Steps a Day Challenge was devised by Ms. Irene Byrne, Senior Physiotherapist with the Heart and Lung Transplant Unit at the Mater University Hospital Dublin and developed with ILFA. In 2014, ILFA’s 2000 Steps A Day Challenge won the Irish Healthcare Award for the Best Patient Organisation Project of the Year.
Please note that the ILFA 2000 Steps a Day Challenge is the property of ILFA and cannot be copied or reproduced without permission. For further information, please email info@ilfa.ie or
call 086 871 5264
Peer support and talking to others is important and may help and reassure you that you are not alone.
The ILFA Support Group network puts patients and carers in touch with each other to share their stories, experiences, and tips for living well with lung fibrosis.
Be Inspired by ILFA’s Tip of the Week and Quote of the Week
Each week ILFA features a new Tip of the Week and Quote of the Week to help and inspire our members.
We hope you will benefit from these tips and inspiring words.
Tip of the week
Exercise, exercise, exercise!!!
Exercise is as important as medication. You should prioritise exercise as well as following your doctor’s instructions when taking medicine and using oxygen.
Daily exercise will help to keep your muscles strong and your lungs working to the best of their capacity. The ILFA 2000 Steps a Day exercise challenge is designed specifically for lung fibrosis patients taking their limitations into account. Email info@ilfa.ie or call 086 057 0310 or 086 871 5264 to request your 2000 Steps Exercise Pack.
Quote of the week
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” Christopher Reeve
What is Wellbeing?
Wellbeing is a term used to describe how you’re feeling about yourself and the world around you, and how able you are to cope with everyday life, most of the time. It’s much more than how happy you are, it also includes how satisfied you are with your life, and whether you feel a sense of purpose and agency.
If you feel a sense of positive wellbeing you are more likely to feel positive about life and want to be a part of things that are happening around you. If you are struggling with positive wellbeing you may find that you are less interested in doing things you once enjoyed. You may feel more anxious and tense and find it harder to cope with daily life and the stress of your condition.
Resilience, the ability to adapt or cope with challenging life experiences, is key in managing your wellbeing. Following are some resources which may prove helpful to you in supporting your wellbeing. ILFA’s exercise classes, support groups, and other health and wellbeing programmes may also help.
Mindfulness and Mental Health Resources
The following websites and mobile applications may be useful to help you support your mental wellbeing.
HSE’s Mental Health website provides a variety of mental health supports and services, most of which you can access without a referral.
Mental Health Ireland – Information and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties. Information line (01) 284 1166 (from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or email info@mentalhealthireland.ie for more information.
Headspace The app can be downloaded onto a smart device and you can try it for FREE.
10 Percent Happier – a website with courses, free meditations, a podcast and many other helpful mindfulness resources.
Stress Control– This website will help provide you with skills to fight stress (for most of us, a mix of anxiety and depression) and boost your wellbeing.
HSE’s Living Well Programme, a six week self management programme for people living with long term or chronic health conditions.
If you are struggling with increased anxiety, feeling depressed or have suicidal thoughts, please seek help and contact your GP or go to your local Emergency Department for help.
