A Breath of Life II, a support group for persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), meets monthly at the Baptist East/Milestone Wellness Center, 750 Cypress Station Drive.

Meetings, which usually include a short educational session and time for sharing, are at 2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in Room 2 on the Wellness Center's first floor.

COPD describes a group of diseases (including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis) that make it hard to breathe because they partially block the normal flow of air into and out of the person's lungs (airway obstruction). COPD usually takes many years to develop before shortness of breath becomes enough of a problem that the person needs help breathing. For this reason, COPD is usually considered a disease of older adults and is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over the age of 60.

For more information on the A Breath of Life II support group, call the Baptist Hospital East Information Center at (502) 897-8131.

2008 Calendar of Meetings

• July 23: Taking Better Care of Your Heart
  (Sherri Bradley, Cardiac Rehabilitation manager, Baptist Hospital East)
  
  
• Aug. 27: What, COPD? It Can Ruin Your Day!
  (Pulmonologist John Lloyd)
  
  
• Sept. 24: Open Discussion: You and Your Whole Body
  Bring your questions and take part in this roundtable discussion to be led by an respiratory therapist and nurse practitioner
  
  
• Oct. 29: Let's Talk About Your Doctor-Patient Relationships
  (Pam Barr, CMA, CHES)
  
  
• Nov. 19: Let's celebrate national COPD month! Your questions answered - COPD tips for you, the patient
  (Respiratory Therapists Teresa Bowman and Harry Benford, Baptist Hospital East)
  
  
• Dec. 10: Annual holiday party!
  Come celebrate...presents, food and fun