Introducing our exercise and physical health program

New outdoor gym equipment is providing more exercise options for patients taking part in St John of God Burwood Hospital’s new physical health program, led by experienced Exercise Physiologist Kirrily Gould.

20 Sep 2018

20 September 2018

The physical health program is designed to help patients manage their emotional wellbeing; particularly the symptoms of anxiety and depression including:

stress
anger
sleep disorders
substances urges and cravings.

Kirrily said physical movement and education was found to have significant benefits for people with mental illness and had been in place at St John of God Richmond Hospital and led by Kirrily for the past five years.

“Through our physical health program, I will provide education to patients via group programs and individually,” she said.

“I will also work alongside our dietitian, Cassie, to provide metabolic screening and develop individualised exercise plans for patients.”

The hospital has also purchased outdoor gym equipment to provide more opportunities for patients to start moving as part of their therapy or just in their downtime while at the hospital.