THE AUGUST 2017 MEETING WAS A SPECIAL EVENT IN WHICH ORIGINAL BREATHMATTERS FOUNDERS RUSSELL GLOVER AND DAVID SANDERS WERE REMEMBERED, AND SPEAKER APRIL WILLIAMS PRESENTED ON THE TOPIC OF HEALTHY EATING.

THE FOUNDERS CELEBRATION

On August 14 the monthly Breathmatters meeting had an extra feature. Not only did April Williams, Nutritionist, provide a talk about the importance of food choices and how to determine the best value in those choices, but Joan Shifflett (Breathmatters President) kicked off a celebration on original Breathmatters founders Russell Glover and David Sanders. A general talk took place about the origins of Breathmatters with brief talks by several veteran members and board members, but also by Russell Glover's family which were in attendance.

Dr. Marc Flickinger spoke at the June 2017 meeting of Breath Matters on a number of topics related directly to the subject of pallative care. He mentioned how important is an ACD ("Advance Care Directive"), and described strategies about how best to use them, modify them, or remove them according to unique situations.

Dr. Flickinger stressed the importance of having a "point person" to speak for you when you are unable, such as a spouse, relative, chidlren or friend, and how this can be set up to meet the Virginia legal guidelines.

"Pallative Care" was described during the course of the talk, how is is used to provide pain management, how rehab "skilled care," is utilized, and how pallative care fits with and differs from hospice care, which is a subset of pallative care.

Discussed also was "D-N-R" (do-not-resuscitate order) and how to set that up, and what it means. For example, Dr. Flickinger spoke about how a D-N-R does not mean a denial of all medical assistance, rather is used when specific medical situations are encountered. For example, a treatable condition such as pneumonia or a broken hip would not typically activate a D-N-R. Also mentioned was how a patient can rescend a D-N-R and that the state of Virginia is advancing in educating doctors to clarify the use of D-N-Rs.

The entire presentation was video recorded - scroll down or see our VIDEO PLAYLIST.

Dr. Marc Flickinger received his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond in 1990. He completed his medical degree at Pennsylvania State University in 1994 and a family medicine residency at Eglin Air Force Base in 1997. Dr. Flickinger holds board certifications in Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He joined Bon Secours Palliative Medicine in March 2016 after working many years as a full-time hospitalist and doing some part-time hospice work. Dr. Flickinger elected to pursue palliative medicine full-time because of his strong interest and desire to help people with serious illnesses make timely and informed decisions about their care.

Undergraduate of University of Richmond

Medical School: Pennsylvania State University

Residency: Eglin Family Medicine Residency

Hospital affiliations:

Richmond Community Hospital
Memorial Regional Medical Center
St. Mary's Hospital
St. Francis Medical Center
specialties

Family Medicine
Palliative Care

Dr. Susan Scharpf spoke about how to manage after-care, with particular attention being given to properly taking medications and preventing incorrect dosages.

Also discussed were strategies to prevent falls in the home, how to increase body strength following a hospital stay, and other ways to defend against threats toward lifestyle quality. Dr. Scharpf emphasized how good lighting and removing obstacles that are risks within the home is an important step.

Diet was discussed, as were annual wellness visits and how proper communication is an asset not only with doctors but with your local pharmacy.

The meeting was video recorded and will be posted online later at the BreathMatters YouTube Channel - - please check back for more information.

Nutritionist Melanie Huffman spoke at the March 2017 meeting of Breathmatters.

Elizabeth Hensley and Caroline Feinman of Pulmonary Associates spoke at the February 2017 meeting of Breathmatters.

The presentation on COPD discussed that while there is currently no cure, there are ways to slow the effect and to preserve a normal way of life for the sufferer, especially when early detection is made. More than 13 million people in the United States suffer from COPD, and it is listed as the 3rd leading cause of death.

Elizabeth Hensley, PA

• BS Biology University of South Carolina
• BS Physician Assistant studies East Carolina University
• Master of Health Science Duke University

Have worked in pulmonary/critical care/sleep medicine since 2011. Prior this, lived in northern Virginia and worked in primary care/family practice for 8 years

Currently serve as the director of APCs at Pulmonary Associates

Married for over 15 years and has 3 children