Emphysema film made in Christchurch

Press, 11 October 1982, Page 17

Emphysema film made in Christchurch

A film about chronic bronchitis and emphysema that should prove that medical movies are not always boring will have its premiere in Christchurch this month. Mrs Bernice Thompson, a Christchurch physiotherapist who pioneered a physiotherapy technique to control asthma and other respiratory diseases. produced and scripted the film. "Emphysema - A Way of Life." it is her secend film effort. In 1978. she produced a film to demonstrate the physiotherapy treatment for asthmatics. Called "Asthma: Why Physiotherapy?" it is widely used throughout New Zealand. Mrs Thompson says her latest. 25-minute film is different from any medical film seen before in New Zealand. "Medical films can be so boring, but this one isn't. "This film is different. It does not have 'talking heads.' Instead it is full of live action, humour, whimsical animations, and a haunting musical theme." she said.

The film was produced in Christchurch The Skellerup-Woolston Band appears briefly in it. Its premiere will be at the Town Hall Limes Room on October 12 at 8 p.m. Before it is shown, the DirectorGeneral of Health. Dr H. J. H. Hiddlestone, will introduce it. and will speak briefly about emphysema.

Emphysema is a degenerative illness suffered by almost every heavy cigarette smoker later in life.

"People who smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day throughout their adult lives are highly likely to get emphvsema." said Mrs Thompson. “It strikes them when they are about 50. and it makes breathing difficult." Emphysema is the result of chronic bronchitis and years of smoking. Sometimes asthma sufferers get it.

Mrs Thompson said that emphysema sufferers were encouraged to make the best use of their breathing muscles ■ through physiotherapy. That and the right medication could keep chronic bronchitis outbreaks as minimal as possible, and perhaps make life easier for them for about 20 years. The film shows the programmes of two patients with emphysema and bronchitis brought on by heavy smoking. The part played by smoking is made very clear.