EmPHAsis on Air

PH can often go hand-in-hand with anxiety, but there are strategies and tools available to help. For this episode, we are joined by clinical psychologist Dr Gregg Rawlings to talk about the PHA UK resources that are currently available, and an important new study into coping as a carer. You can order 'Overcoming Worry & Anxiety', the self-help programme developed with Dr Rawlings, for free https://www.phauk.org/support/support-for-anxiety/overcoming-worry-anxiety-a-self-help-programme-for-people-with-ph/ (here). Find out more or volunteer for the caring study https://www.phauk.org/self-compassion-and-pulmonary-hypertension/ (here).

We've seen some amazing fundraising activity recently, and we're so grateful for the support that our community gives us to help us continue our work. We've dedicated this special episode to the kindness of our supporters, and we hope you enjoy hearing about some of the challenges, events, and donations that are making such a difference to our charity. You can find out more about fundraising for the PHA UK https://www.phauk.org/get-involved-with-the-pha-uk/fundraise-for-ph/ (here).

For people with serious health conditions caught up in the conflict in Ukraine, the situation is desperate. On 18th March, we caught up with Dr Joanna Pepke-Zaba, a pulmonary hypertension expert with links to European efforts to get help to people affected by this disease. Dr Pepke-Zaba, who is based in Cambridge, joined us from a conference in Switzerland for this special episode that aims to shed some light on this aspect of the humanitarian crisis.

Important research into new treatments for pulmonary hypertension is happening all the time, and people living with the condition play a vital role in these studies. In this episode, we are joined by Cambridge researchers Joe Newman and Dr Mark Toshner, to talk about a promising new drug trial and how you can help shape its design by completing https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WhatMattersToYou_ClinicalTrials (this collaborative survey). Read more about this important project https://www.phauk.org/clinical-trials-what-matters-to-you/ (here).

In this special episode dedicated to a very important subject, we are joined by special guest Dr Neil Hamilton to talk about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and what women with PH need to consider when accessing it to reduce symptoms of the menopause. Neil also discusses the current proposal to make some types of HRT available without prescription from pharmacies.  If you have any thoughts around this topic, or you would like to give some feedback on this episode, please email office@phauk.org. 

We understand that applying for benefits can be frustrating (to say the least!), and this episode explores the range of support that's available from the PHA UK. Our biggest piece of advice is don't give up! Our own research shows that 52% of applicants with PH were turned down the first time they applied for benefits, but 78% of those who applied for benefits were eventually awarded them in the end. Visit our dedicated financial support web area https://www.phauk.org/financial-support-benefits/ (here) Order your free copies of our financial support publications https://www.phauk.org/product-category/publication/ (here)

Almost a year on from the launch of our Listening Line service, we're joined by resident 'listening ear' and former PH nurse Paul Sephton, to hear how this special support is helping those going through a tough time. To find out more about the Listening Line, or request a call-back, please https://www.phauk.org/living-with-pulmonary-hypertension/emotional-support-via-our-listening-line/ (visit our website). You can also email listeningline@phauk.org. This service is for all PHA UK members and their family and friends too.

Although the PHA UK team is taking a break over Christmas, our private Facebook forums are there 24 hours a day for advice, support and understanding from other people affected by pulmonary hypertension.  In this episode, we introduce you to the different groups available, and bring you details of a special helpline for older people too. Plus, we share what we're all looking forward to in 2022 – thank you to everyone who let us know!  ------ You can access our Facebook groups via https://www.phauk.org/online-forums/ (this link). ------ For more information about The Silver Line https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/ (click here), or call 0800 470 8090 for immediate support at any time of the day or night.

2021 marked the 21st anniversary of our charity, and in this special episode, we chat to co-founders Iain Armstrong and Kay Yeowart about the incredible journey we've all been on. As well as looking back on the difference the PHA UK has made, the pair explain how nothing could be achieved without the unwavering support of our members. Enjoy the show, and as always, you can get in touch with any feedback or ideas by emailing office@phauk.org.

In this episode, we explain how our PH community plays such an important role in our research - and why it matters so much. Plus, if you're planning to support us with a challenge or event next year, listen to our associate designer run through everything you can expect from one of our new fundraising kits. Request yours for free https://www.phauk.org/get-involved-with-the-pha-uk/pha-fundraising-kit/ (here). And of course, we'll be telling you about what has made us smile recently. You'll find a clue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk-iWkJ7BXU (here) ;-) Enjoy the show, and as always, you can get in touch with any feedback or ideas by emailing office@phauk.org.

When it comes to driving, pulmonary hypertension is a 'declarable condition' - meaning that by law, https://www.phauk.org/living-with-pulmonary-hypertension/driving-with-pulmonary-hypertension/ (you must tell the DVLA of your diagnosis) if you are under the care of a specialist centre. In this episode, we talk you through the process so you know what to expect (and please be assured, the vast majority of people with PH are still able to drive!) We also tell you a little bit more about ourselves, and in our regular feature, we share some of the things that have made us smile...

With just a few days until https://www.phauk.org/get-involved-with-the-pha-uk/ph-awareness-week-2021/ (Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Week 2021) , find out how these annual campaigns help people understand more about PH - and why your support makes such a difference. We've also got news about our exciting new clothing range, and a little something to make you smile :-) You don't want to miss this first ever full episode of EmPHAsis on Air!

Meet the voices behind the new podcast from the PHA UK and find out what to expect from future episodes in this short introduction to EmPHAsis on Air...