The Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group

This group is open to those with pulmonary fibrosis, their family, caregivers and supporters. Sessions provide a venue to ask questions, share experiences and are formatted to provide members with information, support and resources on all aspects of pulmonary fibrosis. Topics are based on member input and are facilitated by professionals in the field from the Gift of Life program and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, including physicians, pulmonary rehabilitation therapists and exercise physiologists.

Meetings are held monthly, 5:30-7 p.m. at the University Conference Center, room 302A, located on the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus.

Meetings are organized by Max Whitehead-Zimmers, Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group Coordinator and pulmonary researcher.

Please contact Max Whitehead-Zimmers for more information at 717-531-0003, x286335 or mwhiteheadzimmers@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

 

Pulmonary Fibrosis Caregiver Support Group

This group is open to caregivers of those with pulmonary fibrosis. Sessions provide a venue to ask questions, share experiences and are formatted to provide members with information, support and resources on all aspects of caregiving and pulmonary fibrosis. Topics are based on member input and are facilitated by professionals in the field from the Gift of Life program and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, including physicians, pulmonary rehabilitation therapists and exercise physiologists.

Meetings are held bi-monthly, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the University Conference Center, room 302C, located on the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus.

Meetings are organized by Max Whitehead-Zimmers, Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group coordinator and pulmonary researcher.

Please contact Max Whitehead-Zimmers for more information at 717-531-0003, x286335 or mwhiteheadzimmers@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

Tobacco facts you should know

Tobacco use, second-hand smoke, and environmental smoke greatly increase the risk of:

• Heart disease, circulation problems
• Stroke, brain aneurysm
• Cancer
• Respiratory infections and asthma
• Chronic lung diseases like emphysema and COPD in adults
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity and low birth weight

Tobacco use also:

• Reduces the senses of taste and smell
• Makes wrinkles worse, reduces softness of skin
• Is a major cause of erectile dysfunction
• Causes teeth discoloration
• Gives cloths, hair, breath, care and home an odor that others find offensive
• Sends an unhealthy message to kids
• Can affect the health of pets

Why stop?

• Nicotine is out of your system in three days
• Smoking and other tobacco use costs you time and money
• Insurance premiums may cost more if you have used tobacco products
• Out-of-pocket medical bills may increase
• Sick time or paid-time-off is used more

How to stop:

• Cold turkey
• Cutting back daily
• Combination of one of the above with drugs

Free smoking cessation classes are offered at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

• Call the CareLine at 800-243-1455 to register and learn more about upcoming classes.

Additional support

• Penn State QUITLINE: 877-724-1090 or 800-QUIT-NOW
• Visit www.determinedtoquit.com