CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is the third leading cause of death and yet millions of Americans do not even know what it is.

COPD will be the topic of the American Lung Association Better Breathers Club in Clearlake on Wednesday, July 18, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, 15250 Lakeshore Drive.

Entrance is at lowest level parking area at St Helena Hospital Clear Lake in building F.

Facilitator Nancy Perrin, RCP, will explain the disease, the disease process and invite questions and answers. There will be a video and interactive discussion.

Sponsored by the American Lung Association and St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, Better Breathers Club meetings are free and open to anyone interested in learning more about chronic lung disease or breathing disorders. Caregivers are also welcome.

More than 24 million Americans are estimated to have COPD, and yet only half have been diagnosed.

COPD is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke.

Long-term exposure to other lung irritants – such as air pollution, chemical fumes or dust – also may contribute to COPD.

For more information about chronic lung disease, please call the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA.

You also may speak to a respiratory therapist through the free Lung HelpLine.

For more information about COPD and resources to help you, visit the lung association Web site at  www.lung.org .

For further information on the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake or for specific directions on the Better Breathers new location, call Donna at 707-995-5624.