Ask Karen: COPD support

Q: Could you help many people by making them aware of a local C.O.P.D. free support group in our area-

Respectfully,
Donald Atkinson
Roanoke

A: I was touched by your handwritten letter and how sincere you are about spreading the word about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. You mentioned you have emphysema which is one well-known form of C.O.P.D. The condition makes it difficult for a person to breathe.

I checked with Ken Ours who is in charge of Lewis Gale Medical Center's C.O.P.D. support group. Here is the On Your Side Information for anyone who is interested in attending the meetings and becoming part of the group.

The group meets once a month on the second Monday of the month. It is free and a meal is provided. Perhaps the best part is the advice and support local patients have access to because of this group.

Ours says people get excited about coming because, "It is a disability that they have to learn to manage."

The group started out with three or four people about four years ago and has grown to about 30 attendees each month.

Discussions range from, "Medications for chronic C.O.P.D. patients... to home equipment, yoga, pulmonary rehab and occupational therapy," says Ours.

Perhaps most encouraging for patients, are the stories from others who are going through the same thing. People offer ideas for managing a disease that robs you of your breath.

Ours says at the end of every year he brainstorms with members about what they want to learn about in the coming year. One of the most popular topics, yoga, focuses on breathing techniques. Members will be practicing yoga at the next meeting, February 11th and any local patient is welcome.

If you plan to attend just give Ken Ours a call so he can get a head count for the people coming and plan accordingly. His number is (540) 776-4495. He says to leave a message if you get voicemail.