SHG Alpha-1 Berlin-Brandenburg meeting on July 8, 2020 as a video conference

Petra Netzel

Here is a brief update from our virtual group meeting on July 8, 2020.

Now we're "almost" professionals, whether participating by phone or video, there were 10 of us, well, Mrs. Netzel arrived a little later, she couldn't find the switch again :-).

However, she provided expert instruction/training on inhalation techniques. This short training session was once again conducted by Sister Manja, an employee of the pulmonary practice of Dr. Eisenschmidt in Strausberg.

Topics included:

• Why inhale instead of ingesting?
• The basic rules for proper inhalation
• Errors in the use of the metered-dose inhaler
• The sister pointed out the inhalation aid Aerochamber on YouTube - Deutsche Atemwegsliga eV - and the video "Mesieraerosol", which shows the application exactly.
• Recognizing exacerbations

She drew our attention to an informative online portal called "TheraKey." This portal contains a wealth of information on COPD and other diseases. Initially, first-time visitors can only access the portal using a key/password, which their pulmonologist can provide. Once logged in, they create their own password. Because we belong to a high-risk group, the question arose as to which pneumococcal vaccination is important for us, including booster shots and the duration of protection. This was based on Epidemiological Bulletin No. 34 from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), dated August 22, 2019. The question was forwarded to Dr. Semper, and we may be able to discuss it further at our next meeting on August 14, 2020.

Petra Netzel informed the group of the death of a member. The self-help group expressed its condolences by sending a sympathy card and laying a bouquet at the grave.

Later in the video conference, organizational information was shared, such as upcoming liver examinations and whether the meeting would again take place on August 14, 2020, at the Marzahner Dorfkrug. Peter Hübner emphasized the applicable social distancing rules, the guidelines for self-help groups, and the importance of personal responsibility.

All members will be asked again, and arrangements will be made with the restaurant regarding the possibility of sitting in the garden.

Otherwise, we wish everyone a wonderful summer and good health.

Petra Netzel