Help for people with breathing problems
People with breathing problems have been ‘given a new lease of life’ by a community health programme, says a Pontypool woman.
Meryl Driscoll said a six-week pulmonary rehabilitation course run by Torfaen Local Health Board has taught her coping strategies that have given her the confidence to go shopping and even walk her dog again - something she hadn’t done for five years.
"I never thought I’d be able to take up exercise again as my chest was getting me down," she said.
"I’d stopped doing the things I loved. Even the weekly food shop was stressful. This course has really given me a new lease of life."
The course runs three times a week at the Canalside Resource Centre, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran.
Health professionals provide information to help people deal with their breathing problems. This is followed by an hour of individually tailored exercise and a relaxation session.
If you think you would benefit from the course, ask your GP, practice nurse, or chest consultant to make a referral, or call Cerys Foley or Sarah Bayliss on 01495 332165.