GAYLORD, MI -- Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) in Gaylord will be hosting David S. Knitter, MD, a pulmonologist from Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey, as he delivers a presentation on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), on Tuesday, January 11, 2010, from 4 – 5 p.m.
Dr. Knitter completed his medical education, residency and fellowship at the University of Virginia, and is board certified in Internal Medicine/Pulmonary Disease. He currently sees patients in Cheboygan, Gaylord, Grayling, Petoskey and Rogers City, and will be presenting “The ABCs of COPD” – a conversational lecture for patients who have recently been diagnosed with COPD, as well as those who are looking to learn more about the disease and if it applies to them or a family member. Topics include:
· What is meant by “COPD” and does it apply to me?
· How did my doctor arrive at this diagnosis?
· Why am I so short of breath even though my oxygen level is fine?
· What can I do to make a difference with my lungs?
According to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it increasingly difficult for you to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions that make up COPD, but COPD can also refer to damage caused by chronic asthmatic bronchitis. In all cases, damage to your airways eventually interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs.
COPD is a leading cause of death and illness worldwide. Most COPD is caused by long-term smoking and can be prevented by not smoking or quitting soon after you start. Damage to your lungs can't be reversed, so treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and minimizing further damage.
This presentation is a second in a series hosted by the OMH Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department, and will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2010, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the OMH Classroom. This event is free, but seating is limited, so those wishing to attend should RSVP by calling OMH Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab at (989) 731-7842.
