Take a deep breath. Hold it. Exhale slowly. Repeat. Doesn’t that feel great?  Imagine how much better that would feel if you were someone with COPD or another pulmonary disease that restricts your ability to breathe. Imagine trying to catch your breath if there were an elephant sitting on your chest. That’s what it feels like to have COPD.  

This November, the Pulmonary Center at Coliseum Medical Centers is increasing awareness of COPD and encouraging you to get involved in the first Biking for Better Breathing, a 50-mile bike ride through Monroe and Jones counties. Cyclists will start their ride outside the Whistle Stop Café in Juliette, GA.  The course will take them along the scenic Highway 11 to the Jones County Government Center and back.  There will be a handful of stops along the way where riders will have an opportunity to learn some valuable information about COPD and pick up a playing card. The cyclist with the best hand at the finish line will win a free massage from Holistic Touch Therapeutic Massage. Biking for Better Breathing will be held Saturday, November 8, beginning at 7:00 am at the Whistle Stop Café (433 McCrackin Street Juliette, GA 31029). Cyclists can register in advance at www.active.com.  Registration is $35/cyclist; all proceeds benefit the COPD Foundation. Lunch will be provided to all participants after the ride.  

For those who may experience breathing issues and are unable to make the bike ride, the Pulmonary Center at Coliseum Medical Centers is offering free COPD Screenings, Smoking Cessation, Peak Flow Measurements, and lung health information on Tuesday, November 4 in the First Floor Classroom at Coliseum Medical Centers from 7:00 a.m. – Noon.