In recognition of Love your lungs week (June 17-23) local organisations are reminding residents of the support they have in Sefton to help with breathing conditions.

As part of the week, NHS Southport and Formby CCG, Living Well Sefton and Sefton Council are all encouraging people to take the British Lung Foundation breath test and to seek help if they need it.

Dr Kati Scholtz, respiratory lead at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “We are keen to raise awareness, not just this week but all year round, about the services that are available in Sefton for those who have lung related conditions.

“If you have a known lung condition and are feeling breathless you should follow your personal management plan. If you are not improving or you don’t have a plan and are worried then you should attend the walk in centre or contact your GP practice.

“For simple problems such as a cough or a cold your local pharmacist can help, they can also help by giving additional advice regarding inhaler techniques and providing over the counter Nicotine Replacement Therapies if you are trying to stop smoking.”

The Breathe Easy group is a great support network to encourage people with lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis, to look after themselves and to share ways to do this.

The Sefton north group meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the Doves Centre on Duke Street, Formby at 1pm.

Living Well Sefton partners are also supporting Love Your Lungs Week by encouraging people to take advantage of the activities and classes that they offer.

Over at the Feelgood Factory in Netherton, Philomena Zilinski, says: “Our walking football and guided walks as well as our physical activity classes  all  improve cardiovascular  fitness leading to  improved lung function.”

Working outdoors in the garden is another great way to keep your lungs fit and both the Brighter Living Partnership in Southport and the May Logan centre, Bootle, have gardening groups to join. People also have the option of joining in the weekly social walk from May Logan too.

And, with Smokefree Sefton’s support, your breathing and lung capacity will improve once you’ve quit smoking.

For details on the Living Well Sefton support please visit www.livingwellsefton.org.uk or call 0300 323 0181.

You can find out about the Breathe Easy groups in your area here and you can take the British Lung Foundation breath test here.