David takes steps to enjoy healthier future
BREDBURY resident David Ashton has quite literally taken steps to improve his health thanks to his GP practice.
Three years ago, David ended up in hospital with breathing problems and was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
This is a general term for a number of lung diseases including conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis and many people, like David, may be unaware they have it until their symptoms get worse and they end up in hospital.
David, 69, gave up smoking and was helped to bring the condition under control at Stockport’s COPD clinic with its NHS managed exercise regime.
His GP surgery Alvanley Family Practice also began organising health walks and David was delighted to join in.
He said: “When I saw the walks being advertised at my practice I was really pleased - I love walking but have done very little because of my condition.
“Because the walks were organised by the practice, I felt safe and confident about going on them and I’ve been made to feel really welcome.
“I feel exercise like this is so important for people with health problems like mine.
“It’s great to meet others from the practice we give each other lots of support and it feels really good to know you’re not alone.
“Now I am able to get up hills which I never thought would be possible.”
It is estimated that around 9,000 people in Stockport have COPD, of whom 4,000 are unaware they have got it.
Like many other conditions, the earlier it is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated.
For more information about CODP services please visit www. stockport.nhs.uk