Exercise
Exercise is an important part of rehabilitation for chronic disease. Regular exercise can help you feel less short of breath. It also improves your heart and muscles and can help you feel good about yourself.
Exercise increases:
- Energy level
- Muscle strength and endurance
- Cardiopulmonary (heart-lung) endurance
- Ability to fight infection
- Relaxation
- Restful sleep
- Bone density
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Exercise decreases:
- Shortness of breath
- Risk factors of heart disease
- Blood pressure
- Side effects of medicine (steroids)
- Depression
- Blood sugar levels
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Learn about starting an exercise program and exercises you can do at home:
Interactive Tools
This information has been approved by Kimberly Sack, MS, PT (June 2009).
