Keep Breathing
Program
Meet The Teacher
My name is Lisa Dow
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You might recognize me!
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I’ve practiced as a physiotherapist in the Belleville community, including QHC for 25 years. For the last decade I have primarily focused on working with clients with COPD and other respiratory conditions. I have successfully managed and delivered the QHC Respiratory Rehab Program to 100s of our area’s citizens. I have supported many locals go through the lung transplant process. The motto we have come to work under is
“Exercise is our Medicine.”
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After listening to my clients and taking their concerns to heart, I have created the Keeping Breathing Virtual Respiratory Exercise Program. I have partnered with a dynamic, young, community minded entrepreneur named Jessica Purchase. Jessica is the owner and operator of Evolve Fitness Studio in Belleville, Ontario. She is a certified fitness trainer with strong interest in providing programming for individuals with unique needs. She has generously provided the space and support for me to virtually deliver this innovative, experience based exercise and support program and a very low cost.
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The pandemic has been particularly challenging for the respiratory client group. Our hospital based Respiratory Rehab Program has suffered rotating shutdowns, even after I moved to a virtual platform. Our local gyms and community centres have had multiple closures. Our local respiratory clients haven’t been able to participate in the exercise programming that is crucial to help them breathe better. They report feeling a loss of control in their health outcomes. "
- Lisa
We are excited to support these clients! Reach out to us, joining is easy!
Testimonials
A sudden collapse & subsequent C.O.P.D. diagnosis almost took me out a couple of years ago. Left me feeling weak & unable to do almost anything. Luckily, Lisa was assigned to my assessment & introduced me to the idea of respiratory rehabilitation as a way to get some of 'my stuff' back. Unfortunately, that was just about the time the pandemic took over our lives, but Lisa was able to quickly pivot to an on-line group that eventually gave rise to this most excellent endeavour at Evolve.. Under Lisa's patient tutelage, exercising with this group has not only increased my stamina & mobility, but also instilled a new confidence in me ... knowing that if i pace myself & practice good breathing techniques i can still go a long way. To top it off, it's a great group for bouncing ideas & questions around & the Zoom format brings the gym to me. This is definitely a wonderful way to breathe new life into your world.
-Mary Collins
