Music event to raise awareness of lung conditions
Robert Constantin/BBCAn event has been organised to raise awareness of lung conditions among Romanian and Moldovan communities.
The Breathing Space, run by Northamptonshire Carers, supports those affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and similar problems.
Its family day at St Thomas Centre in Northampton on Saturday offers people the chance to meet healthcare professionals while enjoying traditional music and dance performances.
COPD is the name for a group of conditions that cause breathing difficulties, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which people may not realise they have and can get worse over time.
Senior wellbeing practitioner Keri Platt said: "This event is about connecting with families, building trust and making sure the various health services related to COPD are available.
"The idea behind this outreach is so we can engage with the communities and then bring them into our service."
The NHS recommends seeing a GP if you have persistent symptoms of COPD, particularly if you are over 35 and smoke or used to smoke.
The main symptoms are:
- A shortness of breath, particularly when you are active
- Persistent chesty cough with phlegm
- Frequent chest infections
- Persistent wheezing
The Breathing Space also organises twice-monthly medical advice sessions, aiming to reduce anxiety and isolation, and provide learning opportunities for managing respiratory conditions.
To enhance accessibility, GPs have recorded information videos about COPD in Romanian.
The family event runs on 22 February at St Thomas Centre in Northampton, between 13:30 and 14:30 GMT.
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