In 2000, over 1,500 people in Connecticut died from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD], the only syndrome among the top 10 causes of death expected to increase nationwide in the next decade. COPD encompasses a group of lung diseases associated with airflow obstruction. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis fall under this category, and are characterized by shortness of breath and a chronic cough.

Dr. Paul Sachs, Stamford Hospital's director of pulmonary medicine, will provide an overview of chronic lung disease, and the latest updates on research and protocols. The workshop will include other presentations on topics ranging from medications to tobacco cessation. Additionally, attendees can view a variety of medical aids and medications in the Exhibit Hall.

The workshop schedule includes:

* 10:30 a.m. – Introductory Remarks by Dr. Sachs.

* 11:15 a.m. – Tobacco Cessation 2007 – You can Do It...We Can Help by Dr. Sachs.

* 12 – 12:45 p.m. – lunch

* 12:45 p.m. – Eat Better, Breathe Better: Nutrition and COPD by Ilaria St. Florian, a nutritionist from Columbia University.

* 1:15 p.m. – Pulmonary Rules – How to Prevent Fatigue by Michele Lenes, OTR/L, senior occupational therapist at Stamford Hospital's Tully Health Center.

* 1:45 p.m. – Question and Answer session for panel, raffle and prizes.

The free session will be held at Stamford Hospital's Tully Health Center in the Brace Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration and continental breakfast will take place in the Exhibit Hall from 10 – 10:30 a.m. Oxygen, valet parking and wheelchairs will be available at the session. For more information, call toll free at [877] 233-WELL [9355].

Stamford Hospital is a not-for-profit provider of comprehensive healthcare services in lower Fairfield County. The mission of Stamford Hospital is to provide, together with its physicians, a broad range of high quality health and wellness services focused on the needs of our communities. Stamford Hospital is a Magnet Hospital, and a member of the Planetree Alliance, a group of hospitals nationwide focused on patient-centered care. Stamford Hospital is affiliated with NewYork Presbyterian Health System and is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.