Upcoming Events from ILFA
See our Latest News and Events Section for more information
Let’s Talk Oxygen
The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association will host a “Let’s Talk Oxygen” Questions and Answers session with Patricia Davis, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Respiratory Integrated Care, on Friday 29th April at 11am via Zoom. Please submit questions and register in advance by emailing info@ilfa.ie
2000 Steps Extra for ILFA!
You can take part from anywhere – in your garden, indoors from your home, outdoors etc. The important goal is to step it out for your health!
Dancing for Pulmonary Fibrosis
ILFA’s next Patient Information Day
The next Patient Information Day will take place online on Saturday 12th March 2022 from 11am until 1pm. The meeting will take place using the Zoom online platform. If you would like help using Zoom, please contact us in advance and we can provide you with support.
Our speakers will be confirmed nearer to the time and announced on the website (www.ilfa.ie), and Facebook and Twitter pages. Please register with ILFA in advance to attend this meeting by calling 086 871 5264 or emailing info@ilfa.ie
Weekly Online Exercise Classes with ILFA
ILFA’s online exercise classes for lung fibrosis patients take place weekly via Zoom. The classes are free of charge to all lung fibrosis patients who are registered as members with ILFA. The classes usually take place at 11am and 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!
Exercise is the Best Medicine
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 Exercise DVD
- ILFA Yoga DVD
- ILFA 2000 Steps a Day programme
- ILFA Therabands for performing stretching exercises
Online Exercise Classes with ILFA
ILFA’s online exercise classes for lung fibrosis patients take place weekly via Zoom. The classes are free of charge to all lung fibrosis patients who are registered as members with ILFA. The classes usually take place at 11am and 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.
Watch the ILFA Videos
ILFA Exercise Video for Lung Fibrosis Patients
ILFA Yoga Video for Lung Fibrosis Patients
ILFA Exercise Video in collaboration with University Hospital Limerick
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 by writing to ILFA, PO Box 10456, Blackrock Co. Dublin via email info@ilfa.ie or by calling 086 871 5264.
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.
You can read more about ILFA’s award winning exercise initiative here.
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.
Click here to see a list of patient support groups
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
Quote of the week
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” Christopher Reeve
Mindfulness and Mental Health Resources
The following websites may be useful to help you support your mental wellbeing.
- Headspace The app can be downloaded onto a smart device and you can try it for FREE. At the moment, there are additional free resources in a section on the app called ‘Weathering the storm’ that vary in length.
- 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.
Below is a list of counselling and mental health support services available, including supports for different age groups, mobile apps, phone and online resources.
- Mental Health Supports and Servcies during Covid-19
- Minding your mental health during Covid
- In This Together– Advice on how to cope during these challenging times including looking after our physical and mental health
- 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 - Free online Stress Control Classes available from the HSE
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.
