Winthrop-University Hospital's Perspectives in Health community education series will host a free program, "COPD: Improve Your Quality of Life," on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 7:00 PM. The program will be held at Winthrop's Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard at the corner of Second Street in Mineola.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) causes shortness of breath that worsens over time in patients who have chronic lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. But there are steps you can take to make living with COPD easier.

Peter Spiegler, MD, Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Winthrop, will explain how you can manage the physical, social and emotional ramifications of the disease. Mara Bernstein, LRT, Administrative Director of Outpatient Services, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, will discuss proven techniques that can help patients deal with shortness of breath. A question and answer period will follow the program.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6:45 PM for registration. Parking and the entrance are available in the rear of the building. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve a space, please call (516) 663-8300.

Perspectives in Health is a free community health education program, coordinated by the Nurse Specialist Group at Winthrop. For information on other programs at the Hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.