Get in the spin!

The event will take place at the Route 2 Fitness gym which is situated at address is 22 Seymour Street, Ballymoney this Saturday at 11am.

£20 sponsorship is required to book a bike. Let us know in advance if you would like to book this session. To receive a sponsor sheet contact Jemma on 078 7251 1258. All proceeds go to British Lung Foundation in Northern Ireland.

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is the only charity in the UK working for everyone affected by any lung disease.

Nessie Blair, Development Officer for British Lung Foundation in NI commended Jemma McLaughlin proprietor of Route 2 Fitness in Ballymoney for her generosity and willingness to support BLF in NI and the key role she plays in our community in her attempt to improve the health and well being of local people.

Nessie said: “Every contribution makes a difference and funds raised will go towards ensuring that we can continue to offer vital support for people with lung disease, as well as their partners, families and friends.

“Not only will this Spinathon provide financial support for BLF in NI but this fundraising initiative will raise an awareness of lung disease in our local community.

“I am also delighted with this event as it is timely in the lead up to World COPD day on 16 November.”

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease describes a group of conditions that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Nessie highlighted the pivotal role Jemma plays in structured exercise rehabilitation programmes.

“Exercise is good for everyone to maintain health and fitness. For people with COPD, it has special benefits, increasing muscle and bone strength, flexibility and relaxation,” she said.

“It also reduces breathlessness, days in hospital, stress levels and depression. When unfit you get breathless on the least exertion. The less you do the less you want to do. Choose an exercise that suits you: it could be walking, maybe with your dog or in a group or dancing. Being overweight is also bad as it puts extra stress on your breathing.”

Since smoking is the main reason that COPD deteriorates, it is vital to stop as soon as possible. No other method is as effective. Nicotine replacement therapies and other smoking cessation aids are available via your GP, Pharmacist or smoking cessation support groups. For information on stopping smoking log on to BLF website www.lunguk.org ‘stopping smoking’.

Breathe Easy Causeway Lung Support Group will be holding a campaigning event on World COPD day in Boots Coleraine from 11-4pm on Wednesday, November 16.

So if you have a cough or increasing breathlessness on the least exertion, why not come along and have your lungs tested free of charge?