The next Better Breathers Club meeting at Dearborn County Hospital will be held on Thursday, September 15, 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.

“Leigh Turner, AFAA, Fitness Instructor for the Lawrenceburg Community Center, will present a program on yoga,” explained Dianne Williams, RRT, DCH Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist and coordinator of the Better Breathers group.  “Yoga promotes concentration and focused breathing and improves fitness through stretching and muscle training, including the muscles used in breathing.”

Also during the program, Mary Daugherty, OTR, DCH Director of Occupational Therapy, will present information on lessening fatigue during daily activities. 

“Better Breathers is available to any adult with a lung condition,” stated Mrs. Williams.  “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.  Because these conditions are chronic, patients need to learn how to manage living 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 the American Lung Association and the hospital.  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 to club members with the goal of helping to improve their quality of life.

Refreshments will be served.  Prior 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.