Wagga veterans are discovering exercise has more than just physical benefits.
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Exercise physiologist Liz Coolee spends her days watching the smallest of changes make the biggest difference in her clients.
Walking up a flight of stairs, putting on shoes and socks, walking around the block – they are small tasks most of us take for granted.
But for Miss Coolee’s clients, veterans aged between 47 and 91, they are no mean feat.
Miss Coolee’s client base consists of veterans suffering from mental health issues including anxiety and depression.
She treats them predominantly through an exercise and socialising program.
“They are coming here to do exercise but they also find out about the community,” she said.
“I want to create awareness that they are not alone and they can get treatment, not just psychological treatment.
“When you do exercise, endorphins release other psychological factors.”
By committing to be involved in physical activity or a social outing, Miss Coolee said her clients are put in a better, stronger frame of mind.
Results have ranged from better sleeping patterns, decreased pain and more mobility.
Vietnam veteran Alan Edwards, 79, has been seeing Miss Coolee for four months.
He has three sessions a week – one on the treadmill and the rest in the pool.
In that short time, his frame of mind and physical ability has improved.
Mr Edwards has gone from seeking the railing when climbing stairs to being able to walk up and down the middle of them unassisted.
His mental health has improved by spending time with people of similar ages and backgrounds.
“You meet other veterans and you talk and that’s helped me as well,” he said.
“I really like the pool because it’s less strenuous on the body.
“I surprised myself really.”
Mr Edwards spent 21 years serving in the army and retired about 20 years ago.
He is a member of the Vietnam Veterans and RSL Bowling Club.
“I’ll do anything that keeps me going,” he said.
Doing gentle exercises in a group of people from similar backgrounds provides Mr Edwards with an incentive to improve his abilities.
Miss Coolee works for Northside Allied Health and is situated at Workout Wagga.
