Media Release
13 November 2007
Getting lungs puffing again
The Taranaki DHB Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme is celebrating World COPD Day on November 14th with a walk in
Pukekura Park.
The programme which was a joint health initiative between the General Practitioners and District Health Board has been
running since late 2003. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation group offers a way to improve quality of life in a supportive and
fun way for those people in the community who suffer from pulmonary disease.
There are 3 courses in New Plymouth and 1 in Hawera every year. The intensive physiotherapy exercises and discussion
sessions are designed to enable people with varying degrees of shortness of breath, to again participate in many
activities they had lost the confidence to manage. From having difficulty dressing or walking to the letterbox to
becoming comfortable exercising and enjoying the companionship of others in the same situation this programme helps them
achieve many positive lifestyle benefits.
Linda Cloke (Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator), Shona Lee (Physiotherapist) and Karen Pattison (assistant) are
inviting all present and former COPD group members to celebrate the day with a walk in the park.
“We have NP District Councillor John McLeod (also from TV’s Survivor) and Andrea Needham (lung transplant survivor)
coming to walk & talk and we just want it to be a nice day out for everyone.”
An extended welcome to anyone who wants to support those with Pulmonary Disease to bring your lunch along and meet at
11am at the Band Rotunda or Bellringer Pavillion (if wet).
ends