Report and photo from Trish Ireland

At our most recent meeting, Melanie Reardon gave an excellent, detailed presentation which was very well received by all our members.

Melanie is a Specialist Senior Physiotherapist, based at Ormskirk Hospital, involved in the delivery of Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation programmes and Out-patient physiotherapy.

She has given great support to our group over many years and her annual visit is always eagerly awaited.

Melanie's presentation covered many areas very important for our members, - how to get to know our lungs, clear secretions; controlling our breathing and correcting poor breathing.

She also talked about the great improvements to be gained from Pulmonary Rehab. courses, which are freely available to patients in both Ormskirk and Southport. She expanded into the huge benefits of exercise and physical activity, for instance, in strengthening the heart and lungs, improving the quality and length of life as well as reducing stress and depression.

Melanie also explained the importance of developing our muscles, respiratory and others, and gave a comprehensive explanation of where to start.

Thank you, Melanie, for another superb talk!

Our next meeting is imminent; it will take place onMonday October 21st, at the Girl Guide HQ in Green Lane, Ormskirk, next door toOrmskirk Rugby Club, L39 1ND. There is plenty of free parking nearby.

Doors open at 10.30 a.m. and the meeting proper begins at 11 a.m. with a sing-song led by the Power of Music group, followed by coffee, tea and biscuits at 11.30 am, followed by two excellent speakers.

Firstly, we are delighted that Steve Rowe, Advanced Respiratory Nurse Practitionerfrom Ainsdale Health and Wellbeing Centre and Litherland Health Centre, will speak to us and answer any questions raised by members. Then after that there will be a very useful session,"Preparing for Winter", delivered by Age Uk Lancashire and Virgin Care.

Being a member of a Breathe Easy Group can make a huge difference to one's quality of life and even length of life. Anyone with any kind of respiratory illness, their carers and family members, are very welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact Trish on 07528702203.