Media Release

13 November 2007

Getting lungs puffing again

The Taranaki DHB Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme is celebrating World COPD Day on November 14th with a walk in Pukekura Park.

The programme which was a joint health initiative between the General Practitioners and District Health Board has been running since late 2003. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation group offers a way to improve quality of life in a supportive and fun way for those people in the community who suffer from pulmonary disease.

There are 3 courses in New Plymouth and 1 in Hawera every year. The intensive physiotherapy exercises and discussion sessions are designed to enable people with varying degrees of shortness of breath, to again participate in many activities they had lost the confidence to manage. From having difficulty dressing or walking to the letterbox to becoming comfortable exercising and enjoying the companionship of others in the same situation this programme helps them achieve many positive lifestyle benefits.

Linda Cloke (Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator), Shona Lee (Physiotherapist) and Karen Pattison (assistant) are inviting all present and former COPD group members to celebrate the day with a walk in the park.

“We have NP District Councillor John McLeod (also from TV’s Survivor) and Andrea Needham (lung transplant survivor) coming to walk & talk and we just want it to be a nice day out for everyone.”

An extended welcome to anyone who wants to support those with Pulmonary Disease to bring your lunch along and meet at 11am at the Band Rotunda or Bellringer Pavillion (if wet).

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