« "Katrina" Cough and Flu | Main | Breathing Better Together »
November 16, 2005
Living with COPD
Did you know that Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD? This week we have a second edition of our Hungry For Air: Breathing Better Together booklet as part of an educational partnership with ALTANA Pharma US. The two free booklets are now available for anyone and tell stories of hope and encouragement for those living with COPD.
One COPD patient, Sharon O'Hara says, "Go beyond your shortness of breath. Take what we have and turn it into something positive, an opportunity. Exercise, have goals, and remember we don't 'suffer' from anything. We are not victims."
Some people have commented that COPD doesn’t get the coverage it should in the media. We agree, but we have had some success. A recent article about COPD appeared in the November 13 issue of Parade magazine...which reaches 36 million in circulation in 350 Sunday newspapers. I also participated in a radio media tour earlier this month where, over a three-hour period, I talked to 17 radio hosts in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Houston and Cleveland (to name a few).
Unfortunately, the media can’t be our only way to raise awareness about COPD. Is there anything you have done to spread the word about this disease? If so, tell us.
Posted by lungblogposter at November 16, 2005 10:09 AM
Comments
I was given the news by a new GP some eight weeks ago, "you have COPD" in England we do not have as much support and thanks to this site I can gain so much information I would ask my GP(they are always in such a hurry)Yes I smoked, in my teens it was not considered wrong, I gave up four years ago, certainly do not miss it now and did not find it that hard either, I take each day as i go I am not bad at all compared with some people, have started to exercise(static bike) still work full time and will continue to do so until I drop! I am a mere 59 own my own small recruitment agency, and yes I nag my staff about smoking. Again thank you for the wonderful site it has been an inpiration.
All the best to all your members. Marian in Devon England.
Posted by: marian at November 21, 2005 06:44 AM
In 1963 at an annual physical, the Doctor had me blow into a billows type device. He said that I had
reduced lung capacity, and that I should stop
smoking. I felt ok and could still run and jump, so
what's the problem?????
In 2003 I was hospitalized with pneumonia, and the
Doctor said that the CT scan showed a lesion on my
right lung.....
I don't smoke any more.
Posted by: Don Justice at November 23, 2005 12:55 PM
Hello Friends,
I added a post on the first blog sharing my story about my dad's struggle with COPD/Emphysema.
It is very difficult to get the media to publish or announce articles about COPD and i do not understand "WHY"? I became very discouraged when my articles where not published or announced.
BUT..........I did hold 3 Health Fairs in my area during the month of November. I picked two malls and a grocery store. I am very happy to say the Fairs went over wonderfully!!!! I had two sponsors, the ALA in my area gave me material for my table and Jane Martin from www.breathingbetterlivingwell.com also gave me materials. I made up Awareness giveaways such as, Pencils which were printed with: "Breathless not Helpless" 2005, Pinwheels with a tag: November is COPD Awareness Month, Gold Ribbon pins and magnets, and Butter Rum (gold) lifesavers wrapped and tied in gold ribbon with a tag: November is COPD Awareness Month, "Healthy Lungs are Life Savers". It was so inspiring to talk to people with COPD, to explain to others what COPD is and to try to help others quit smoking. I feel that i was successful (even without the media's help) in bringing Awareness to COPD during the month of November.
God Bless,
Lori
Gouldsboro,PA
Posted by: Lori Palermo at November 28, 2005 07:50 AM
