Breathing problem brought to book

DOCTOR Anita Sharma (front) is pictured with (from the left) Olwen Fish, Selwyn Hodge, Kathleen Roye, Jean Frankell, and practice manager Elizabeth Miller

A CHADDERTON GP is hoping a guide she has written about breathing difficulties will help sufferers of the condition.

Dr Anita Sharman, from South Chadderton Health Centre, Eaves Lane, has written a book for other health professionals about about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The condition, often linked to smoking, can cause shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.

The book is written in a simple style to help clinicians spot and tackle the condition.

Dr Sharman is also donating royalties from the sale of her book to Breathe Easy Oldham, a support group which helps people manage respiratory diseases.

She said: “Oldham has a high number of smokers and I hope that by early screening, early detection and smoking cessation we can reduce the disease progression.

“Ideally, I would like to see a dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation unit set up in the community.

“Breathe Easy Oldham does a great job to help these patients. The money raised from royalties will help fund the running of their programme which includes education, exercise and dietary advice, and self -management plans.”

The group is part of the British Lung Foundation and meets 1.30-3.30pm on the first Tuesday of each month at the Honeywell Centre, Ashton Road.