I am a COPD patient who was given 5 yrs to live 12 years ago. We all know now that no one can predict that. I have been working hard to live every day to the fullest. Exercise, eating right , laughing... I've still have had my exacerbations and hospital vacations and I come out with new and wonderful tools to help build my lung strength. I do them, but to be honest, they're not as much fun when you do them alone. It's like rehab class is much more fun than exercising alone.

This year in my Better Breather's group, found out that there were four memebers who started playing in a harmonica group. We also discussed how good this was for strenghening our lungs and how COPD Foundation supports this! I joined along with 6 others and the group is now twice as big. I have been to only a few practice sessions but I do practice at home and know that I feel good in doing it. Anyone can do this - even me- and I am a "very severe" COPD patient. I do need to work on the high notes though... Getting even two people together can be fun. The more to work at it the more fun you have strengthening the lung muscles. If you know a few people, try it! Contact the Foundation and to find out how to get the manuals with directions and some songs to play on the harmonica. You can laugh and exercise at the same time!