The July Support Group was all about physical activity. It's very important that after surgery patients re engage with physical activity for their long term well being.
Exercise Physiologists from START training were on hand to help with that process.
Apart from the numerous reasons why it is important, covered in the Dr Lockie blog already, a new study has been recently published which indicated that exercise is linked to a higher pain tolerance. Read about the study here.
Here is Dr Michele's report of the meeting.
The Support Group was very well attended last Monday night by current patients. There were a number of long term patients who were keen to hear from the exercise physiologists.
The speakers were exercise physiologists Chris Zillman and Sami Gurdon from START training.
Their expertise was appreciated as they answered many questions relating to lifestyle changes post surgery.
The Support Group participants each identified a barrier to exercise and Chris and Sami made some excellent recommendations.
The main takeaway message from the group was:
- Being physically active is a lifestyle and we should look for opportunities to increase physical movement daily.
- Set SMART goals( small measurable, achievable., realistic and timed).
- Exercise preparation is important to assist with motivation e.g.set out your exercise clothes and shoes at night.
- Start physical activity and your individual level and be cognizant of your own abilities.
- Be kind to yourself.
Participants were grateful for the BN Healthy gift bags
Dr Michéle Janse Van Vuuren, Psyscologist
The August Support Group is on August 28th, 2023 at North-West Private Hospital
To view the current Support Group schedule, please click here.
If you would like to attend the Support Group but are currently not a patient of Dr Lockie, avail yourself of the free, no obligation Initial Consultation here to become eligible.