PEOPLE in Barnsley are among the most likely in the country to be hospitalised for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The British Lung Foundation has ranked the town 20th in its survey on illnesses such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The most at risk are those who smoke, work in industrial or semiskilled jobs, are unemployed or have low disposable income.
John Welch is part of the lung disease team at Raleys Solicitors and treasurer of the Barnsley Breathe Easy support group.
He said: “It’s only by spotting the warning signs that we can ever reduce the mortality rate and human suffering caused by this debilitating lung disease.
“The message is simple, don’t panic, but if you're at all concerned about COPD then come and see us at Barnsley Breathe Easy or ask your doctor for a lung test. This is particularly advisable for adults over 35 who struggle for breath, have a persistent cough, have lots of phlegm and are current or ex smokers.” The group meets at the Worsbrough Medical Centre, on West Street, every second Monday of the month from 1.30pm-3pm.
