November 9, 2016
Don Latham of Arab was diagnosed with emphysema 43 years ago, but it significantly worsened in the past few years.
“I have a tough time breathing,” said the 76-year-old. “As long as I’m sitting, I’m okay.”
He blames it on a combination of heavy smoking, working around harsh chemicals and some science that shows the condition can be inherited. Whatever the cause, he’s doing everything he can to breathe. That means using portable oxygen, going through rehab and taking breathing treatments when it gets really bad.
Another thing he does that seems to help – at least to lift his spirits - is attending monthly meetings of a support group called Better Breathers Club.
“Being with other people who have the same condition helps a lot,” Latham says. “You get to meet people that you can relate to.”
Marshall Medical’s Better Breathers Club shares information on lung disease for patients with chronic lung conditions, including COPD, defined as any lung disease that is considered chronic, as well as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. Monthly meetings help patients better manage their conditions and offer the support of being with patients facing the same diagnosis. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
“Better Breathers is a countywide service that offers support not only for the patient that has recently been diagnosed with COPD but also for ones who have lived with the diagnosis for years,” says Kaye Dean, director of the Respiratory Therapy Department at Marshall Medical Center North.
And it’s not only a sufferer who may benefit from the support group.
“We also provide support for the caregiver,” Dean says. “COPD includes a number of lung-related diseases and our hope is to provide the latest information on medications and treatment. We believe that the more you know the better equipped you are to live with COPD.”
The Better Breathers Club meets every month and features educational presentations on a wide range of relevant topics, including:
• How COPD affects the lungs
• Breathing techniques
• Exercise
• Talking with your physician
• Medications & other treatment options
• Medical tests
• Supplemental oxygen
• Home healthcare
• Lung transplants
• Air pollution
The purpose of the club is to offer patient-centered, community-based educational opportunities and support to people with chronic lung disease and their families, friends and support persons.
The goal of the group is to improve the quality of life for club members by providing disease-specific education and emotional connection. This may prevent the need for additional medical care, thereby reducing the health, economic and social burden of lung disease.
Objectives
1. Provide those with lung disease the education and skills needed to achieve the highest level of functioning given the severity of their disease.
2. Teach club members and their families the basic concepts and techniques of pulmonary self-care, including coping skills.
3. Introduce new concepts in the care and treatment options for people with chronic lung disease.
4. Provide an opportunity for club members to share ideas and solutions to common problems on an ongoing basis.
5. Provide club members with an opportunity to share the psychological and social benefits of group interaction and problem solving.
6. Promote awareness about warning signs and symptoms and when to seek help.
7. Review and reinforce any prior education about lung disease and its management.
8. Increase community awareness about the Better Breathers Club, COPD and other lung diseases, and the work of the American Lung Association.
9. Review, reinforce and refer to the American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine and Freedom From Smoking® resources when appropriate.
Here is the schedule for upcoming meetings, which are free and open to anyone:
* November 7 – Exercise/Breathing techniques
* December 5 – Energy conservation
* January 9 – Communicating with your physician/Ask the doctor
* February 6 – Medications
* March 6 – Emergencies and exacerbations
* April 3 – What the American Lung Association can do for you
* May 1 – End of year party
Better Breathers Club meets at 11 am in the Marshall Professional Classroom next door to the Marshall Cancer Center on U.S. 431. For more information or to register for a meeting, please call 256.571.8145 or email kaye.dean@mmcenters.com.