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[Bob S.]

Hi everybody! Sorry for my late entry today from Thriving Thursday. I have been very busy at the hospital this week and just getting ready for some family time for the Easter Weekend.

I hope all of you enjoy this special time of the spring and renewal in our busy life journeys.

Just wanted to followup on a couple of recent topics: Support Groups and Portable Oxygen.

I agree wtih Jane on the great value and benefit of our community COPD Support Groups! I also realize that we need both more support groups and renewed support for the existing support groups. The ALA is a great source to get some direction on establishing Better Breather Meetings, and Better Breather Faciliator Training. I would suggest that one approach would be to find one passionate lung health professional (RT, RN, Pharmacist,etc) and one passionate COPD patient to partner and start a Support Group. Some keys for success are reliable information, a convenient location, and committed leadership support at some point in the community. The COPD Foundation as well as the ALA are great organizations to get start up help!

I want to thank Mark for the great job he did on the background and strong historical and clinical development of portable oxygen for the COPD Community. I would just add that there are a couple of resources I would recommend:

1. The BFRG- (Big Fat Reference Guide) from the COPD Foundation- Great tips for Traveling with Oxygen are included
2. A website- www.portable oxygen.com- Founded by a COPD patient- Pete Wilson- "Motoring with Oxygen" is an excellent resource Pete Wilson produced- VERY HANDS ON!

Hope you have a great Easter Weekend!

Bob FL RT