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Join Us for a Respiratory Rally on October 14
Physicians, respiratory therapists, patients invite others to see how to live better despite COPD
Concord, Calif. -- Martinez resident Steve Meyers was unaware that he had COPD until pneumonia brought him to an ER doctor. The visit revealed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, (COPD), a challenging and debilitating condition that gradually compromised Steve's life.
That day, seven years ago, changed his future. Instead of suffering with a disease some still think is hopeless, Steve found his diagnosis a miracle in disguise. He found the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at John Muir Medical Center's Concord Campus, and will be on hand Saturday, 930 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Respiratory Rally, 2730 Grant St., Bldg. 2, to tell others about the treatment that turned his life around. "The whole thing is knowledge," says Steve. "A lot of people with COPD have no idea how much better they can be than they are."
Shortness of breath, coughing, increased sputum, chronic bronchitis, fatigue, and other symptoms are something that thousands of local residents may be living with - especially if they are smokers or former smokers. Though still not a household term, COPD, which refers to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, affects an estimated 11.4 million U.S. adults, according to the American Lung Association. It is the fourth leading cause of death, claiming 122,280 Americans in 2003.
"This is a highly undiagnosed condition that can affect your ability to work, to travel, to do everyday things we usually take for granted," says Lana Hilling, coordinator of Lung Health Services at John Muir Health. "But there are great benefits in rehabilitation programs. We need to spread awareness that help is definitely available and can improve your life greatly."
John Muir Health is co-sponsor of the local Respiratory Rally with the American Lung Association. The rally includes:
- "Lung Disease 101: Why You Can't Breathe," a lecture by John Muir Health pulmonologist Valerie Schneider, M.D.
- "How to Manage your COPD" with Lana Hilling, coordinator of Lung Health Services at John Muir Health
- Open Panel - COPD Patients discuss their stories, share inspiration, and answer questions on coping
- Sponsor exhibits and product information
- "How COPD Affects Family Members" discussion
The program begins at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 14 at the Lung Health Services location in Concord, 2730 Grant St., Bldg. 2. For more information, or to register for the free event, please call (925) 674-2351. Drop-ins are also welcome.
(Posted October 11, 2006)