PEOPLE from Port Macquarie and surrounding areas joined Lung Foundation Australia for the inaugural Better Living with Your Lung Disease patient seminar.
Some 115 people enjoyed presentations on topics such as surgical options for patients with respiratory conditions, breathing, breathlessness and how to relieve it and energy conservation and managing activities of daily living.
Lung Foundation Australia staff, supporters and partners joined special guest speakers thoracic physician Dr Steven Chung, senior community physiotherapist Kylie Ballantyne and occupational therapist Elizabeth Whalen to ensure the day was both enjoyable and educational.
Lung Foundation Australia’s Melissa Ram said both patients and health professionals were impressed by the day and were very grateful the Lung Foundation were able to visit Port Macquarie.
“Several people made the trip from Coffs Harbour and Taree, demonstrating the need for our service in the area,” Ms Ram said.
She said lung disease was an unspoken issue in Australia with more than six million people living with a long-term, ongoing respiratory condition.
“Education is vital to helping people be better informed and in control of their health” she said.
“The seminar was an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn the importance of managing lung disease and the different strategies they can implement in their homes.
“We know that helping people to better manage their condition reduces hospitalisations and improves their quality of life.”
For more information about lung health visit www.lungfoundation.com.au or call 1800 654 301.
