Heart Wise Exercise and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the Champlain Lunghealth Network are now working together to ensure Heart Wise Exercise programs are suitable for people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The HWE goal is to help people living with a chronic condition find a safe place to exercise, following guidelines provided to them by a healthcare professional.  While formal pulmonary rehabilitation is not easily accessible in many provinces, regular daily exercise will routinely be prescribed as a component of COPD education.  There are many programs and resources available to help clinicians provide exercise guidelines to COPD patients. The Lung Association offers these resources free of charge. In addition, click here to find a Pulmonary Rehab or Breath Easy Program in your area.

Once patients have received education and guidelines, HWE classes are idea locations to carry out their exercise programs. To find a HWE facility in your region, use the locations tab at the top of the page.