The next Better Breathers Club meeting at Dearborn County Hospital will be held on Thursday, July 19, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Dearborn Room.  Adults who suffer from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, fibrosis and other respiratory illnesses are welcome to attend.  Guests may bring a family member or friend.

Featured as the guest speaker for the July program is Pulmonologist Radu Zidarescu, M.D., Medical Director of the Dearborn County Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department.       Dr. Zidarescu will present an overview of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and will provide information related to emphysema, bronchitis and other chronic lung diseases.  In addition, he will discuss what to do in the event of a respiratory emergency. 

“According to the American Lung Association (ALA), more than 26 million adults in the United States have diseases such as COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer,” stated Dianne Williams, R.R.T., DCH Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist.  “Because these conditions are chronic, patients need to learn how to live with their disease.  Better Breathers helps by providing patient-focused, community based educational opportunities and support.”

DCH’s local chapter of the national Better Breathers Club is co-sponsored by DCH and the ALA.  The ALA created Better Breathers more than 40 years ago to promote self-management of chronic lung diseases.  Meetings, which are free and open to the public, offer hope and a sense of belonging with the goal of improving quality of life.

Refreshments will be served.  Advance registration is not required but is appreciated.  To register, please call the DCH Education Department at (812) 537-8431 or (800) 676-5572, ext. 8431.