LIVE WELL: Beth's story
Exercise is my best medicine for LIVING WELL – I climb as a member of the 1 in 5.
Everyone on my team, LIVE WELL, is committed to the power of exercise.
I personally climb to inspire others affected by lung or breathing conditions to keep active.
I’m one of the 1 in 5 British Columbians affected by breathing problems and live with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In fact, I’ve battled lung problems most of my life, beginning with chronic bronchitis at a very young age.
Through my teens, I struggled with asthma and frequent pneumonias. At age 16 it got so bad that doctors had to remove part of my right lung. Right up until my mid-fifties, I fought through life-threatening asthma attacks – enduring frequent lung infections and hospitalizations.
Fortunately, by my late fifties, my asthma improved. But lo and behold, came along came a diagnosis of COPD – which I learned is not uncommon. People who suffer from severe, persistent asthma at a young age are nearly 32 times more likely to develop COPD in adulthood.
Everyone on my team, LIVE WELL, is committed to the power of exercise.
I personally climb to inspire others affected by lung or breathing conditions to keep active.
I’m one of the 1 in 5 British Columbians affected by breathing problems and live with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In fact, I’ve battled lung problems most of my life, beginning with chronic bronchitis at a very young age.
Through my teens, I struggled with asthma and frequent pneumonias. At age 16 it got so bad that doctors had to remove part of my right lung. Right up until my mid-fifties, I fought through life-threatening asthma attacks – enduring frequent lung infections and hospitalizations.
Fortunately, by my late fifties, my asthma improved. But lo and behold, came along came a diagnosis of COPD – which I learned is not uncommon. People who suffer from severe, persistent asthma at a young age are nearly 32 times more likely to develop COPD in adulthood.
At 62, I became determined to get fit and take control of my health.
Thankfully, with help from my specialist and other lung health professionals, I was informed about my condition, including how important it is to exercise.
I began by signing up with LIVE WELL in South Surrey, one of a growing chain of exercise clinics specialized in supporting and coaching people living with chronic conditions.
With the help of my exercise coach Stacy, I transitioned from struggling to walk up even the smallest incline, to hiking Quarry Rock in North Vancouver – and from using the rowing machine in the gym, to joining my local Rowing Club and rowing outdoors! Next came stair climbing to the top of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre… and I did it.
This year will be my second attempt, It doesn’t matter whether I make it all the way to the top or not. I’ll be there and I’ll do what I can – together with my teammates. Many of them are people I’ve met and trained with at my LIVE WELL exercise clinic.
At 66, I’m fit, happier than ever, and medication-free!
When I began exercising regularly in my sixties, the goal was to improve my overall health and strength so I could enjoy my senior years without relying on my family to take care of me. But I've learned I can achieve far more. My only limitations are the ones I place on myself. By working with my doctor and LIVE WELL exercise coach, Stacy, I’ve been able to say good-bye to high blood pressure medication and daily inhalers. I climb to celebrate the progress I’ve made with my COPD through exercise and fitness.
To support Beth and the LIVEWELL team click HERE to make a donation.
Thankfully, with help from my specialist and other lung health professionals, I was informed about my condition, including how important it is to exercise.
I began by signing up with LIVE WELL in South Surrey, one of a growing chain of exercise clinics specialized in supporting and coaching people living with chronic conditions.
With the help of my exercise coach Stacy, I transitioned from struggling to walk up even the smallest incline, to hiking Quarry Rock in North Vancouver – and from using the rowing machine in the gym, to joining my local Rowing Club and rowing outdoors! Next came stair climbing to the top of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre… and I did it.
This year will be my second attempt, It doesn’t matter whether I make it all the way to the top or not. I’ll be there and I’ll do what I can – together with my teammates. Many of them are people I’ve met and trained with at my LIVE WELL exercise clinic.
At 66, I’m fit, happier than ever, and medication-free!
When I began exercising regularly in my sixties, the goal was to improve my overall health and strength so I could enjoy my senior years without relying on my family to take care of me. But I've learned I can achieve far more. My only limitations are the ones I place on myself. By working with my doctor and LIVE WELL exercise coach, Stacy, I’ve been able to say good-bye to high blood pressure medication and daily inhalers. I climb to celebrate the progress I’ve made with my COPD through exercise and fitness.
To support Beth and the LIVEWELL team click HERE to make a donation.
