Hamilton choir overcomes chronic breathing difficulties

A local Hamilton hospital is providing a crucial program to help a significant part of the population suffering from a chronic breathing disorder. And now graduates of the program have come together to form a choir.

They performed earlier tonight at St Joseph’s which had an open house for its Caring for my COPD program. COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in our area, it affects more than 5 per cent of adults over the age of 35 – quite a bit higher than the provincial average.

The program at Saint Joe’s is 10 weeks long and helps people actively increase their respiratory ability through intensive education and exercise. Primary care director Cathy Allan-Fleet explains the program.

“They learn things such as smoking cessation, they learn about their medications, about nutrition, mental health and wellness, spiritual care, so we’re really excited to be able to offer this.”

The COPD program at Saint Joe’s uses a pioneering model that is new and unique.