Business Profile

General Interest

Is recurring injury or a chronic illness holding you back from getting active and switching to a healthy lifestyle?opti-well profile pic

Opti-Well Exercise Physiology is a local business that helps people get physically active and supports their change to positive lifestyle behaviours. People at risk of, or with existing chronic illnesses or injuries are the specialty of Opti-Well Exercise Physiology, and expert support can be provided in exercise delivery and advice.

You are in good hands with Kara McDonald, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) who is prides herself on being an allied health professional. Kara views exercise as medicine and her work provides exercise as treatment to restore physical function, manage chronic illnesses, improve people’s lives and reduce the risk of re-injury.

“I have a passion for assisting local people improve their health and quality of life. We provide affordable, individualised exercise programs to help our clients get back on track to optimal health and/or achieve their health and fitness goals with the main goal of self-management.”

Studies have shown that exercise at the correct intensity can:
– Reduce the risk of heart disease by 40%
– Lower the risk of stroke by 27%
– Reduce the incidence of high blood pressure by almost 50%
– Reduce the incidence of diabetes by almost 50%
– Reduce mortality and the risk of recurrent breast cancer by almost 50%
– Lower the risk of colon cancer by over 60%
– Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 1/3.
– Decrease depression as effectively as medications or behavioural therapy.

By providing specialised exercise programs and lifestyle modification for the prevention, treatment and management of chronic diseases and injuries, Kara helps many in the Cessnock community. Opti-Well Exercise Physiology provide programming for a long list of ailments including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, depression, osteoporosis, COPD, mobility restrictions, chronic back pain and workplace injuries.

An initial assessment and consultation with Kara can determine your health status and establish a functional baseline. Not only this, but she can help you set goals and establish your immediate needs to  effectively prescribe safe and individualised exercise programs for your needs. Exercise programs include education about correct techniques and the purpose of each exercise for effective self-management. They also support gradual and safe exercise progressions based on personal needs and aim for longer term improvements in function for overall health and wellbeing.

Medicare Enhanced Primary Care referrals are bulk-billed and Opti-Well Exercise Physiology also participate in WorkCover, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Private Health Insurance schemes.

If you have a chronic disease or injury, general health and fitness goals, wish to improve athletic performance, build strength, manage your weight, or break through plateaus in training – call Kara for an initial assessment to show you how.

W: www.optiwellaep.wix.com/cessnock | M: 0413 234 481 | Facebook


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