2 minute read
A solid foundation
collaboration and assume the responsibility to put an end to this blight altogether.
The Linea Directa Foundation firmly believes in the need and obligation to support social improvement projects that help build a better and safer world for us all. They couldn’t have been more supportive when we launched our #ZeroHero campaign, sponsoring the disposable breathalysers and materials for the participating hotels, bars and restaurants.
Together we can create awareness in a positive way by rewarding the designated driver with a free soft drink and bringing to mind the consequences of driving when under the influence of alcohol; something all too frequent, particularly in a holiday city like ours.
The Foundation was born
Breathe Better To Live Better
DR RACHEL GARROD is a Respiratory Physiotherapist now working from the Costa del Sol. After a career in both practice and academia in the UK she and her husband moved here so that he could play more golf and Rachel rebuilt her professional career within the Spanish context.
Rachel is a highly published academic with over 100 peer reviewed papers to her name and she specialises in CardioRespiratory Physiotherapy mainly working with patients with lung disease such as COPD (emphysema) but also includes patients with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions.
Although we all know how to breathe, dysfunctional breathing is not at all uncommon and we often do not breathe in a way which optimises our breathing. Poor posture can also contribute to poor breathing habits with our lungs not being able to maximise their capacity.
Another common problem is Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome when people over breathe. Around 4060 per cent of the population can suffer from this.
Although a man’s lungs have a capacity of up to about six litres, at rest we only need around half a litre going in and out. This form of overbreathing can result in a variety of symptoms including suspected heart attacks and shortness of breath.
Rachel explains that even with COPD a level of exercise can be crucial to improving the feeling of well being. People who suffer from COPD are often afraid to do anything which could demand heavier breathing, but with the right kind of professional support this can prove to be very beneficial for the patients. with the aim of contributing to road safety by promoting safe driving practices in order to reduce and, ultimately, end traffic accidents. To achieve this ambitious goal they also carry out important studies, research projects, workshops, courses and conferences, among other actions; always with the common denominator of road safety.
Rachel now works with a number of GPs and hospitals and also does a lot of work online. She also runs breathing workshops and she explains how better breathing can also help with anxiety. Rachel can be contacted on +34 699 501 190 , or by email at rachelgarrod1@gmail. com.
Likewise, the Foundation promotes the organisation, participation and financing of training, social, welfare, educational and teaching ac tivities in this field, as well as the awarding of prizes that recognise the contributions made by individuals or institutions in favour of the fight against traffic accidents. It was thanks to one of these initiatives that our Zero Hero incentive was awarded the social award in 2018, out of 40,000 other collaborators quite an achievement!
Our local initiative has also been well received by the local restaurants and our website has become not just a good food guide but a point of reference for the establishments that also value our resident community and our wellbeing, not just our money. Thank you for supporting them and also suggesting your favourite business as a potential partner venue.
We are all #Bettertogether and safer.
