Harmonicas 4 Health: Duff Maynard's Story
The COPD Foundation’s Pulmonary Education Program (PEP) is proud to offer Harmonicas 4 Health (H4H), the first nationwide harmonica program created especially for individuals with COPD and other chronic lung diseases. This program was developed and launched due to the generous support of ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music.
Duff Maynard, 66 years old, can attest to the benefits of H4H. Originally from New York, Duff moved to Tennessee, a state with the highest rates of COPD in the country, 11 years ago. He is a former smoker and also lives with asbestosis. Duff first learned he had COPD about 10 years ago and has been using a variety of medications ever since. He has been through pulmonary rehab for a year and a half ago and is an active member of the Better Breathers Club in Murfreesboro, TN.
Duff’s life after his diagnosis didn’t change much initially, until 3 years ago when he experienced his first exacerbation. Then everything changed.
“I couldn’t golf of anymore,” he explained, “... could barely walk in the stores. Most of my regular activities (mowing the lawn, working in the yard, painting, working on my car) ceased. I just didn’t have the breath to do them.”
Then in early 2016, during one of the Better Breathing Club meetings, H4H was presented by Stephanie Williams of the COPD Foundation who asked for volunteers for the pilot program. Duff immediately joined as did many in his club. “I’ve never played the harmonica before. I always wanted to play a musical instrument and this was a chance to do it. My wife joined also which is great because we get to practice together and support one another,” he said.
Duff has seen the positive impact of the H4H program ever since. He knows the story will continue, but shared several impressive milestones that he has reached since joining
H4H.
“I know this story will continue, but wanted to share a few positive things happening to me since joining the harmonica group a couple months ago.”
Before the program, Duff struggled to exercise and really had to push himself to get to the gym. Now he can’t wait. He could only do 30 minutes on the treadmill at 2.0 mph. Recently, he hit 60 minutes at 2.2, and now he can make it to 60 minutes at 2.5 mph. Before H4H, he could barely make 30 minutes of weight training. Now he can do 60 minutes with more weight. He works out on the treadmill 3 days a week and weights the other three, taking Sunday off.
Duff wears a Fitbit that he wears 23.5 hours a day. His average resting heart rate has gone from 90 bpm to 82, and he lost 11 pounds. “Being part of H4H has changed my whole life. I have more breath so I have more stamina. I can do more and be active more hours of the day. And the more active I am, the more active I can be tomorrow.”
Duff also explains how it has given him an outlet to express himself and connect with others. “I really enjoy the social aspect more than anything. The people in the program have fun, learn how to play an instrument and have something to get out of the house for. [My wife] Mary Ann and I are so thankful for H4H.”
If you are an individual with COPD or another chronic lung disease, the COPD Foundation Harmonicas for Health program can help you:
- Learn how to have better control of your Breathing
- Exercise the muscles that help pull air in and push air out of the lungs
- Strengthen abdominal muscles for a more effective cough
- Boost self-confidence, relieve stress
- Socialize with others and have fun
- Reported benefits include: decreased shortness of breath, increased sputum mobilization and increased quality of life.
You do not have to be an expert player or have any musical experience to benefit from playing the harmonica. You can take a harmonica anywhere. It’s lightweight and easy to carry. Making music with a harmonica can help you feel better overall, and it is a lot of fun! Learn more about the Harmonicas 4 Health program here!