A Roscommon Physiotherapist is urging people with COPD to join their local support group and get help to live to their full potential.
Clinical Specialist Niamh Duignan was commenting ahead of COPD Support Ireland's free webinar which takes place tomorrow.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a respiratory condition that can make breathing difficult and results in tiredness and lack of mobility.
Niamh Duignan says there are special "in the community" pulmonary rehab courses that can help COPD sufferers to exercise in a safe way to improve their health.
The courses are run by physiotherapists and nurses and and take place twice weekly over eight weeks in total, and people can be referred by their GP's.
'It is really important that you exercise and the level of breathlessness that you exercise to will teach you that so that you are not going to do any harm in fact you are going to improve your fitness. The confidence that it gives people is amazing especially when you get out and about when attending local support groups.'
