Pocket-sized harmonicas pack mighty health benefits.

“We know that music is medicine and learning to play the harmonica can be a lot of fun,” said Karen Dunn, Butler VA Health Care System's health promotion and disease prevention program manager. “Other VA facilities have shared positive feedback about the 'Harmonicas for Health' program, so we are excited to be able to offer this at Butler.”

The Butler VA, starting this month, plans to offer the new program for veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic lung diseases. The first class is scheduled for Jan. 21.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory asthma, according to the COPD Foundation.

As of Monday, six veterans are signed up, Dunn said. Registration is open to 15 veterans with COPD or other chronic lung diseases.

Harmonicas for Health, created by the COPD Foundation and Pulmonary Empowerment Program, encourages veterans to practice the “Pursed-Lips Breathing” technique and to exercise their breathing muscles as they play the harmonica.

“This new program can help veterans learn how to have better control of their breathing, exercise the muscles that help pull air in and push air out of the lungs, and strengthen abdominal muscles for a more effective cough,” Dunn said.

Compared to a medical device, a harmonica is more enticing, she said.

When the Pursed-Lips Breathing technique is done regularly, it helps to remove carbon dioxide from the lungs. It also helps to create more space in the lungs for bigger, fuller breaths.

Harmonicas for Health participants have reported decreased shortness of breath, increased sputum mobilization and increased quality of life.

“The new program may also help boost self-confidence, relieve stress and provide an opportunity for veterans to socialize with other veterans,” she said.

Other music programs at the Butler VA include “Guitars for Vets” and the “Music is Medicine Hour,” monthly musical entertainment for veterans.

Health care at the Butler VA is moving in a direction that considers the big picture of a veteran's whole health by giving them the skills they need for self-management, Dunn said.

The main purpose of Guitars for Veterans is to teach veterans with post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression to use guitars as a coping skills.

Veterans focus on the music, which changes their mindset as their difficulty falls back, Dunn said.

“We have to get people to look outside the box of what health care is,” she said. “There's power in the patient more so.”

WHAT: Butler VA Health Care System's “Harmonicas for Health” programWHEN: 11 a.m. Tuesdays; First lesson is 11 a.m. Jan. 21.WHERE: Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center, 353 N. Duffy RoadWHO: Veterans with COPD or other chronic lung diseasesTO REGISTER: Contact Karen Dunn, health promotion and disease prevention program manager, at 878-271-6484.NOTE: Participants do not have to have any musical experience to benefit from the program. Harmonicas are free for participating veterans.