COPD Support Group publish newsletter to help its members
By Aideen O'Flaherty
AS the lockdown has meant that those in at-risk groups, including those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), have had to suspend meetings and social gatherings, the Tallaght COPD Support Group has started producing a four-page newsletter for its members to combat isolation.
COPD is a disease which makes it hard for sufferers to empty air out of their lungs and clear phlegm. It causes shortness of breath and tiredness, and can have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of those who live with the condition.
Carol Muldoon, Tisha Swartz and Nicky Coules
People with the condition can often find themselves being socially isolated in normal times, as the difficulty that the condition presents can make some sufferers reluctant to leave their homes, but this has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
The Tallaght COPD Support Group tries to alleviate some of the difficulties that people with the condition have, by holding gentle exercise classes, which can help with lung function, and going on social outings.
However, the group had to suspend all of their plans and their weekly meet-ups as a result of the pandemic.
In order to deal with the loss of a social outlet for those who attend the support group, the group’s secretary, Carol Muldoon, came up with the idea of publishing a newsletter, called ‘An Occasional Newsletter’ – and the first edition was sent by post and via email earlier this month.
Ms Muldoon said: “I was wracking my brain to come up with something to put us all back in contact, after all, it was the main reason for setting up the group.
“Some of us are on Facebook but not all of us are online. When I put it to the others in the group, they jumped at it. So, here we are.”
The first edition of the four-page newsletter featured a welcome note from the group’s PRO, Nicky Coules, where he wrote: “Our group was established with two objectives, to build basic physical fitness and to fight social isolation. It is hoped this newsletter will ease the isolation a little.”
The newsletter also contains some medical advice, tips and tricks, and even a brain teaser – with the solution being revealed in a forthcoming issue of the newsletter.
Mr Coules told The Echo: “It is hoped the newsletter will appear monthly, at least until everybody can get back together again in real time and catch up on the gossip!”
For further details on the Tallaght COPD Support Group and An Occasional Newsletter, you can contact Carol Muldoon via email at copdtallaght@hotmail.com, or by phone at 086 305 6232.
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