Breathing group helps members exchange information, support

Special to the Green Valley News

“Oxygen is the only thing that helps us. It’s the gold standard,” said a member of Green Valley’s Better Breathers Group.

However, members agree that sharing knowledge and learning from each other helps too and is one of the group’s main benefits.

“And moral support,” said member Bob Unger, but more than a support group it’s largely an educational tool for members.

The group is an affiliate of the American Lung Association whose mission is “to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.”

Speakers include pulmonary specialists, nurses and manufacturers of breathing and oxygen equipment that members rely on.

One recent speaker was from Medicare, who explained the recent and complicated changes regarding oxygen.

Patty Rivers said she attends meetings because she gets better information from fellow members than from doctors. Another member said they share information and recommend doctors they’re pleased with.

At the April 17 meeting, 13 members were present, but often up to 40 attend.

Members have a variety of breathing problems including emphysema, asthma, congestive heart failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, known as COPD.

COPD is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe and worsens over time.

The leading cause of COPD is smoking cigarettes although prolonged exposure to lung irritants such as air pollution, chemical fumes or dust may also be a cause.

Every one of the 13 members in attendance at a recent meeting had been smokers.

Elly Schick, who is on oxygen around the clock, said she has COPD, emphysema and asthma. “My father died from emphysema, and it’s hereditary,” she said matter-of-factly.

When leaving home, most members travel with oxygen tubes and portable tanks. At home some have 50-foot tubes allowing them to move about the house.

A few members had an oxymeter with them, a small device that shows the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Better Breathers meets at St. Francis in-the-Valley Church, 600 S. La Canada Drive, twice a month September through April and once a month May through August. For further information or to attend a meeting, call Ed Gustafson at 648-7517.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.