BREATHE EASY BRIGHTON&HOVE

 MONTH        

DATE                

ACTIVITY                                                           

Weds Jan 14th 

2 - 4pm

Monthly Meet :

Sallie was our speaker and filled the meeting with her vast knowledge on managing lung disease including coping mechanisms for breathlessness, breathless attacks, panic attacks including relaxation techniques. Everyone really learnt from Sallie and a big thank you to her for giving up her own time to advise us.

Weds Feb 11th

2 - 4pm 

Monthly Meet  :

We thank Alison Wearing from the respiratory team for giving a very informative talk on oxygen and travelling abroad.

 Weds March 11th

2 - 4pm

Monthly Meet :

Enjoyed an interesting meeting with Barry Evans as our speaker from southern water. A good video followed by a question and answer session. Barry is a chemist by trade and analysed the water purity. He is now a data analysis manger and an entertaining speaker. A lively discussion on the pros and cons of water meters followed. I persons average consumption for a year is £150, plus all the standing charges. This may be cheaper than an average household. water bill. Research it for your individual needs, further advise on this and saving water can be obtained from their website http://www.southernwater.co.uk

Weds  April 8th

2 - 4pm

Weds April 15th

Monthly Meet  :

Sally Blann from the library, on how to trace a family tree using different methods +computer demo

Half Day Excursion

 Weds May 13th

2 - 4pm

Monthly Meet  :

Principles of self-management by Cher from the Respiratory team.

 Weds June 10th

2 - 4pm

Weds June 17th

9:30 - 1pm

Monthly Meet  : AGM then a quiz

Asda, Hollingbury, Breathe Easy Awareness Stand.

 Weds July 8th

2 - 4pm

Weds July 15th

Monthly Meet  :

Full day outing to Arundel

 Weds Aug 12th

2 - 4pm

Weds  Sept 9th

2 - 4pm

Weds Oct 8th

2 - 4pm

Monthly Meet  :

The Respiratory Team, subject to be decided.

 Weds Nov 11th

2 - 4pm

 Weds Dec 10th

2 - 4pm

 MONTH        

  DATE                 

ACTIVITY                                                            

 SEPTEMBER

Weds Sept 10th

2-4 pm

Monthly Meet : 

Thank you to our speaker Saskia Ton from City Clean who spoke on recycling. She told us of a new recycling machine based at Hollingdean depot, that in time will make re-cycling easier by recycling and sorting items. Next year it will eliminate some of the effort in sorting items within the box. If you cannot manage your bins you can apply to be assessed for Assisted collection. Phone 292929 for more details. Viola is the company, which recycles the recycling.

 OCTOBER

 Weds Oct 10th

2-4 pm

Monthly Meet :

A physiotherapist talked to us about things that make us breathless and how to manage them, These are some of the points that came out of the meeting.
"Normal" people use 3% 02 standing and 4% walking. We use 30-40% just breathing as our lungs are diseased, congested or scarred, therefore we need to do everything to our ability and exercise if possible for 30mins to keep the function that we have intact. Obvious exercises are walking, swimming but for some of us it may be pottering around indoors, vacuuming, making beds, stretches. chair exercises, tai chi etc. Activity can help clear the chest and help avoid infections and strengthen muscles, (weak muscles need more 02.) Our lungs go from the top of the shoulders down to the small of our back and are huge, upright posture with shoulders back increases our lung capacity. Big meals can affect our breathing, small more frequent snacks or meals are more suitable. We often hold our breath when doing a task, be aware of this as it may be why you are breathless. A fan, or an open window can ease breathlessness as still, air and stuffy heating can impede it. 
 

 NOVEMBER

  Weds Nov 12th

2-4 pm

Monthly Meet :

Judy was our speaker from the Living Well, expert patient programme. Volunteer tutors run the programme, all have a long-term health problem. The 6 week 2.5 hours a week course covers how to manage the illness, symptoms, nutrition and exercise, communicating with medical staff and family, dealing with pain and fatigue, learning new skills and future planning. Sessions include group problem solving. You can refer yourself by contacting the PCT to Natasha on 01273296590. Our members that have been on the course have learnt a lot from it. There are many venues.  

 DECEMBER

 Weds Dec 12th

2-4 pm

Christmas Dinner :

The Christmas Carvery was enjoyed by all. Thanks to all that contributed to facilitating it.