Conference sheds light on living with COPD

Dear Madam, I would be grateful if you could draw the attention of the readers of the Sligo Champion to an important patient conference being organised by COPD Support Ireland ahead of World COPD Day.

On Tuesday November 15, we will be hosting our first- ever national patient conference, “Save Your Breath” for people with COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, at the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. The event, which is kindly supported by A. Menarini, GSK and Novartis, is open to people with COPD.

COPD is perhaps more commonly known by other names such as bronchitis or emphysema. It is estimated that some 380,000 people have the condition in Ireland. The conference will hear from leading Irish and UK experts on the latest developments in COPD treatment and care, while attendees will also be able to quiz our politicians on their plans to develop COPD health policy.

Of particular interest will be a range of lifestyle and well- being workshops, including de- stressing through mindfulness, lung exercises through singing, and gentle movement through dance.

World COPD Day is an important oppor- tunity to remind people to be aware of the symptoms and to remember the “ABC” of COPD: - Avoid the risks such as smoking and environmental toxins - Be aware of the symptoms that include persistent cough with phlegm, chest infections and breathlessness - Consult a GP for a simple spirometry breathing test, particularly if you are over 35 years, have symptoms, are or have been a smoker, or have a family history of lung conditions.

Booking for the conference is on a first- come, first- served basis - simply telephone 01 28 33 500. Further information on COPD can be found by visiting www. copd. ie. Yours sincerely, Damien Peelo Executive Director COPD Support Ireland Blackrock.