A free exercise DVD is being made available to sufferers of the lung disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The DVD, Move On Up, is fronted by television personality Angela Rippon and will be available from GP surgeries.
COPD is an umbrella term for a range of conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which make it difficult for patients to breathe.
A recent survey for the charity Cancer Research UK found that four out of five sufferers had not been diagnosed.
Brian O'Connor, a consultant in respiratory medicine at King's College Hospital, London, who was involved in the development of the DVD, said: "COPD generally affects those aged over 45, with a history of smoking, so they think that breathlessness is simply a fact of life as they grow older.
"Because exercise increases breathlessness, people with COPD tend to avoid it, which leads to greater breathlessness.
"This, in turn, can restrict activity to such an extent that patients are unable to leave the house and can become depressed and isolated.
"This is why it is vital patients are taught the value of exercise as soon as possible."
Rippon said: "Exercise is something that can really make a difference to the lives of people living with COPD, so I am delighted to be taking part in this project.
"I hope it will raise awareness of the disease and that this simple exercise DVD will help many people with COPD to live more fulfilling and active lives."
