After the very successful “Mile of Pennies”, held in July, the Foundation presented a brand new portable spirometer to the staff of the Goulburn Community Health Centre on Friday morning.

The machine cost $3000 and gives staff the ability to measure lung functions and clearly make the distinction between Asthma and the far more serious Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

According to the World Health Authority COPD is the world’s fourth biggest killer and is most commonly caused as a result of long-term smoking.

Goulburn Community Heath Service transitional nurse and chronic care practitioner Jane Cotter said COPD is a serious problem and the new spirometer will actually help to track the progression of the disease and help determine the best course of treatment.

For the full story, please see Monday's Goulburn Post, available from our front office in Auburn St, or at all leading newsagencies across the Goulburn area.