Ararat Respiratory Support Group hosted World COPD Day, a day which is held to promote awareness and support for sufferers of COPD.

COPD is a blanket term which is used to describe diseases which effect the respiratory system, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms include coughing and feeling puffed or short of breath when doing everyday tasks. Airways are permanently obstructed and the disease is incurable.

COPD is the fourth most common cause of death of men in Australia, and the sixth most common cause of death in women. Almost one in five people over the age of 40 suffer from the disease.

Although it is not known what causes the disease, evidence shows that smoking is definitely a contributing factor.

Sufferers can experience some relief from various techniques however, one of which is to attend support groups and services such as the Ararat Respiratory Support Group.

President of the Group, Val Gemmola, said World COPD Day was a fantastic day that was attended by around 60 members of respiratory support groups from Horsham, Hamilton, Ballarat and Ararat at the East Grampians Health Service Community Centre.

The day began with a talk from an East Grampians Health Service physiotherapist who explained the importance of exercise to help maintain healthy lung function. She also talked the group through a simple relaxation exercise.

This was followed by a delicious lunch, which provided an opportunity for to chat and share experiences.

''You really get a lot of support from the groups, which is just fantastic. You can gain a lot of help from hearing other people talk about their experiences,'' Ms Gemmola said.

After lunch, Tai Chi instructor Anne Francis gave a Tai Chi sword and fan demonstration which Ms Gemmola said was greatly enjoyed by all.