Report: Trish Ireland

The new year got off to an excellent start for West Lancashire and Southport Breathe Easy Group with an excellent talk by Susan Turner of The Quit Squad, reminding us of the great importance of not smoking.

While those of our members who used to smoke no longer tend to do so, this was a very interesting and timely reminder for us to pass on to friends and families and also a reminder of the importance of avoiding, as much as possible, smoky environments. Indeed, Susan gave our members the chance to test the Carbon monoxide levels in our blood, using an up to the minute hand held device. Significantly, one member registered a relatively high score, even though he no longer smokes, yet he lives in accommodation with a communal lounge, where smoking still takes place - food for thought indeed!

Susan is keen to spread the word and will visit groups and individuals. The number to ring is 0800 328 6297or use the website, www.quitsquad.nhs.uk

We meet on morning of the third Monday of each month at the Guide HQ., Green Lane, Ormskirk, L39 1ND. (Next door to the Rugby Club). Doors open at 10.30 am and the meeting starts at 11 a.m. with a sing-song, led by the Power of Music. This lasts for half an hour and is one of the finest things for patients with respiratory problems, helping to expand the lungs, as well as having good fun ! Of course it is not compulsory to join in, but most people love to do so and we are finding this to be a brilliant start to our monthly meeting.

From 11.30 to 11.45 we are served free tea, coffee and biscuits and the speaker takes over from 11.45 am to 12.30, including time for questions.

Our voluntary speakers are excellent; Nicola Hodgkinson spoke today, Feb. 18th, on the subject of Falls Prevention, Dr. Clare Finnegan of Queenscourt Hospice will be speaking on 18th March and John Flanagan of Merseyside Victim Support on 15th April.

The remainder of our excellent 2019 programme is available at our meetings in printed form for respiratory patients with a number of conditions, their friends, carers and family members.

We are a very friendly group and we also have available at our meetings a large number of excellent British Lung Foundation Booklets and leaflets to be collected entirely free of charge. In a nutshell, everyone will be made very welcome.