Breath of Life II support group teaches importance of exercise

Breath of Life II support group members will host Sonya Dott, a Physical Therapy assistant from Baptist East Spine & Sport Therapy Clinic at the Baptist East/Milestone Wellness Center, to demonstrate exercises to help people suffering from chronic lung problems such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma.

Participants will practice the exercises so they can do them at home as part of the meeting which starts at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 29 at the Wellness Center, 750 Cypress Station Drive. All meetings are free of charge.

Dott will teach participants:

• benefits of exercise as it relates to those with COPD
• special considerations when exercising for persons with lung disease
• special breathing techniques to maintain optimal health
• how to start an exercise program
• importance of posture and body mechanics when exercising and performing everyday activities
• conserving energy while performing everyday activities

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. COPD describes a group of diseases (including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis) that makes it difficult to breathe because they partially block the normal flow of air into and out of a person's lungs. COPD usually takes many years to develop before shortness of breath becomes enough of a problem that a person needs help breathing.

A Breath of Life II is a support group for patients with COPD that works to educate sufferers and their families about the disease. The group typically meets at 2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in Room 2 on the Wellness Center's first floor. Meetings usually include a short educational session and time for sharing.

For more information about the group, call the Baptist Hospital East Respiratory Care department at (502) 897-8134.