Mr Forrester wants to start a support group for people with lung conditions in the Tamworth area to provide an opportunity for people to share their experiences and spend time with others going through the same thing.

It comes ahead of Show Us Your Lungs Day today, when potential sufferers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions are urged to seek advice and get their lung function tested.

Mr Forrester and Tamworth

Community Health clinical nurse

specialist in respiratory services Joanne McIlveen will be at Chemist Warehouse in Centrepoint today between 11am and 1pm to share advice and information on COPD and other conditions.

Mrs McIlveen said COPD was an umbrella term that most commonly referred to emphysema or chronic bronchitis, but could also include other conditions that prevented

proper breathing.

It most commonly affects people aged over 40 or with a history of smoking and symptoms including breathlessness and a repetitive cough with phlegm or mucus on most days.

Mrs McIlveen has encouraged people to get their lungs tested by their GP if they experience these symptoms.

She said there were many avenues for assistance for those with lung conditions to help them manage, including a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

The 10-week program aims to increase exercise capacity with education and support.

Mr Forrester participated in the program last year and said it made him more aware of how to manage his asthma, allowing him to change his lifestyle for the better.

For more information on the proposed support group, contact Mr

Forrester on 6769 5933.

SUPPORT GROUP IDEA : Clinical nurse specialist Joanne McIlveen and Tamworth man Bob Forrester hope to encourage more people in the region to get tested for lung disease so they can get the help they need.

Photo: Robert Chappel 250612RCD01