In a world filled with pollution, a group is helping people with respiratory issues breathe easier. Air It Up, Better Breathers Group has been holding monthly meetings for a year.
“There’s always been better breather support groups around the country,” said Mary Lapp, respiratory therapist. “I always wanted to do one here.”
People with lung disease get together to encourage each other and look for ways to cope with whatever lung issues they are having.
Jerry Kufahl smoked for 50 years. He quit nine years ago, but not before he developed emphysema. He has been a member of the group since it began.
“It’s good to understand that other people have some of the same problems and can share,“ Kufahl said. “I’m realizing that I’m not alone. I get something beneficial out of it.”
The meetings are free and educational, with topics and guest speakers that cover things such as diet, insurance and exercise. The number of people attending varies, and members hope to increase awareness by getting more people involved.
At the beginning of the year, the people who attended shared ideas on what they would like to know about taking care of their health.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a leading cause of death, second only to heart disease. With COPD, the body is unable to deliver oxygen to organs and tissue. The number one cause is smoking.
“It’s very common,” Lapp said.
“I see people struggle with that every day,” pulmonary rehab coordinator Kathy Kilboy said.
People are also affected by secondhand smoke, chemicals and pollution. Treating lung disease has become more technical, with pneumonia prevention and inhalation therapists. At the meetings, information is provided about program options and specific information to help people cope with their lung issues.
The people who attend find out from each other what works for them and help each other cope. Sometimes they have questions for the professionals.
“We want it to be their group,” Lapp said. “I’ve learned a lot from speakers and the people. It helps to remind me the reason I’m doing this is to teach me, too.”
For more information, call Lapp at 715-524-1504.
The meetings are from 1-2 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month in the Pine Room at Shawano Medical Center. The next meeting is April 22.
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