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NATIONAL COPD AWARENESS MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 9 Comments

National COPD Awareness Month dedicates all of November to educating the public about a disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is any disorder that persistently bronchial obstructs airflow. During National COPD Awareness Month, learn about the causes and become an advocate for prevention.

One of the biggest causes of COPD is smoking. While it’s not the only cause, this lifestyle factor plays an overwhelming role in determining risk factors for COPD.  If you care about your respiratory health and you smoke, take steps to quit smoking now.  Other environmental factors that may point toward COPD include dust, chemical exposure and more.

Throughout the month, organizations will hold events providing opportunities for you to learn about COPD. Test your risk factors or find out how to rally support. While you’re learning, participate in activities that will test your knowledge and help you breathe a little easier.  Hopefully, these events clear the air a bit and point the way toward a healthier lifestyle for your family or answer questions about COPD.

HISTORY

The American Lung Association created National COPD Awareness Month to focus on the growing concern related to pulmonary conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis which fall under the category of COPD.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Learn more about COPD by visiting www.cdc.gov.  Help prevent it and support those who have it.  Use #COPDAwarenessMonth to post on social media.

COPD For Dummies #COPDAwarenessMonth
COPD For Dummies
Orange Ribbon Heartbeat COPD Awareness #COPDAwarenessMonth
Orange Ribbon Heartbeat COPD Awareness

WORLD COPD DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

On the third Wednesday in November, World COPD Day raises awareness for this preventable and treatable lung disease. It’s also a day to present new knowledge of this disease and provide hope for patients.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death for Americans. It is also the third leading cause of death in the world. Those with COPD usually have either emphysema or chronic bronchitis. This long-term lung disease affects 16 million Americans. On a global scale, 65 million people have COPD. These numbers are probably not accurate, however. This is because many people don’t even realize they have COPD.

  • Symptoms of this disease include:
  • Chronic cough
  • Shortness of breath doing everyday activities
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Fatigue
  • Wheezing
  • Producing excessive amounts of mucus or phlegm

Some people also experience complications associated with COPD. Heart conditions, lung cancer, high blood pressure, and depression are common complications.

Nascool Peak Flow Meter with Bluetooth APP Spirometer for Asthma COPD Monitor PEF FEV1 Home Medical 300 Records Kids Adults #WorldCOPDDay
Nascool Peak Flow Meter with Bluetooth APP Spirometer for Asthma COPD Monitor PEF FEV1 Home Medical 300 Records Kids Adults
CONTEC CMS50NA Pulse Oximeter SpO2 and PR Value Waveform Blood Oxygen Neck/Wrist Corda #WorldCOPDDay
CONTEC CMS50NA Pulse Oximeter SpO2 and PR Value Waveform Blood Oxygen Neck/Wrist Corda

The primary cause of COPD is smoking cigarettes. Exposure to other contaminants can also lead to COPD. Some of these contaminants include mineral dust, welding fumes, exhaust fumes, smoke from fires, and chemical gases. Unfortunately, most of these kinds of contaminants are found in occupations, such as mining, farming, welding, construction, painting, and firefighting. Quitting smoking and limiting exposure to contaminants greatly reduces one’s chances of getting COPD.

There is no cure for COPD. However, there are treatment options that reduce symptoms and improve breathing. Some of the most common ways to treat COPD include inhalers, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, diaphragmatic breathing, and physical exercise.

WORLD COPD DAY HISTORY

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstruction Lung Disease (GOLD) established World COPD Day in 2002.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldCOPDDay

On this day, organizers in 50 countries carry out activities and education events to spread awareness for COPD. These events include conferences with keynote speakers, webinars, and free lung function testing.

To participate:

  • If you have symptoms of COPD, make an appointment with your doctor.
  • Wear an orange ribbon for COPD awareness.
  • Test the capacity of your lungs with an online breath test.
  • Read about famous people with COPD, such as Christy Turlington, Dean Martin, Johnny Carson, Leonard Nimoy, and Pat Nixon.
  • Donate to an organization that funds research and education for COPD.
  • Encourage those with COPD to share their stories with others.

Help spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldCOPDDay.

Yogi Tea - Breathe Deep (6 Pack) - Supports Respiratory Health with Eucalyptus, Thyme, and Mullein Leaves - Caffeine Free - 96 Organic Herbal Tea Bags #WorldCOPDDay
Yogi Tea – Breathe Deep (6 Pack) – Supports Respiratory Health with Eucalyptus, Thyme, and Mullein Leaves – Caffeine Free – 96 Organic Herbal Tea Bags
Daisy Butterfly Orange Ribbon COPD Awareness T-Shirt #WorldCOPDDay
Daisy Butterfly Orange Ribbon COPD Awareness T-Shirt
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xelrod 4PCS Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set, Post Surgery Foam for Back, Neck and Leg Pain Relief Comfortable & Adjustable Ortho Pillows- Anti Snoring, Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD Sleeping Grey
butterfly copd warrior I am not most women T-Shirt #WorldCOPDDay
butterfly copd warrior I am not most women T-Shirt