Free support group offers help for those suffering from chronic lung disease

In conjunction with the American Lung Association, Community Medical Center will offer a free support group for those suffering from chronic lung disease as well as their families. Beginning Thursday, Jan. 12, CMC’s Better Breathers Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the CMC Professional Building on Colfax Avenue and will feature Dr. Srinivasar Ramakrishna who will speak on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Helping to meet the challenges that chronic lung disease brings to daily life, the Better Breathers Club provides an opportunity for lung disease patients and their families to meet and learn about their condition from concerned health care professionals in a supportive environment.

Better Breathers Clubs offer lung disease suffers the opportunity to learn ways to better cope with COPD while offering support for those who share in their daily struggles. These support groups give provide tools needed to live the best quality of life you can.

The CMC Better Breathers Clubs will meet the second Thursday of every other month and will feature educational presentations on a wide range of additional relevant topics, including:

• Breathing techniques
• Exercise
• Talking with your physician
• Medications and other treatment options
• Medical tests
• Supplemental oxygen
• Home health care
• Lung transplants
• Air pollution

“If you feel alone and isolated, these support groups can help,” said CMC Community Health Coordinator Sharyn Wozniak. “It feels good to talk with others who understand, which has a positive impact on your health.”

To register, call 969-8986.