Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland website offers help for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma
A new training programme has been launched by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) for those living with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
My Lungs My Life is a free, online programme which aims to enable people to understand more about their, or their children’s, COPD or asthma and help them to use self-management effectively as an equal partner with healthcare professionals.
Anyone can access the programme, which is delivered in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland, British Lung Foundation and the University of Edinburgh, at MyLungsMyLife.org.
Fran Bailey, CHSS project manager, said: “My Lungs My Life is full of interactive content, animations, film and audio clips plus information that can be downloaded directly from the site.
“It has been designed to provide practical tips and advice to help people understand and manage their own condition better and to work with health professionals to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.”
Members of the Cheyne Gang Choir, which was set up by a group of COPD patients who use singing as an alternative therapy, added some sparkle to the programme's recent launch.
Choir member Lenny Love, 66, had struggled to even tie his own shoe-laces without getting out of breath when he was diagnosed with COPD three years ago. However, since joining the choir he said that he had seen a dramatic improvement in his condition.
“It has helped my breathing so much,” he said. “I find myself doing the exercises while watching the TV and the difference has been amazing. I hope other people can use this website to find out what this sort of thing can do to help.”
Public health minister Maureen Watt – who herself suffers from asthma – has backed the campaign. She said: “Through this website we want to show that, with proper self-management and support, there’s no reason why asthma or COPD should stop you from leading a full and active life.”
