Helping Quirindi breathe easy

Quirindi Community Health Service has joined forces with The Australian Lung Foundation to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Every 30 minutes another Australian dies from the deadly lung condition which is sometimes referred to as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The long term disease of the lungs causes difficulty breathing and affects people aged over 40 with a history of cigarette smoking.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator Louise Nean said while one in five Australians aged over 40 have some form of the deadly lung disease, only one in four of those affected are aware they have the condition.

“It is important people are aware of the symptoms, which can include a productive cough with phlegm or mucus on most days and shortness of breath on minimal exertion, so that steps can be taken to improve and control the condition, “Ms Nean said.

“If people are not aware of the symptoms of the disease and don’t seek medical attention the number of people affected by COPD will increase dramatically,” she said.

If you are experiencing these symptoms go to your doctor and ask for a simple lung function test. If you are diagnosed early there are a number of things you can do to help get the most out of your lungs, so that simple daily tasks such as showering and dressing are less difficult.

Quirindi Community Health Service will provide risk assessments, spirometry readings and give out general facts about COPD on Thursday 11 December at an information stall in George Street, Quirindi between 10.30am – 1.30pm.

The Liverpool Plains Shire Council has kindly donated 63 tree seedlings in remembrance of lung cancer sufferers. These trees will be given away to the public during this time.

The Quirindi community is also invited to take part in a tree planting ceremony at 2pm on Thursday 11 December in the grounds of Quirindi District Health Service, in remembrance of people who have lost their lives to lung cancer.

Media are invited to attend the ceremony.

. Lung cancer statistics:

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer in Australia.
• Lung cancer is also the third leading cause of all deaths and the fifth most common cancer in Australia.
• More than 8,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer each year.
• More than 7,000 Australians die from lung cancer each year, which is almost 20 people per day.
• 40 per cent of those diagnosed with lung cancer have either never smoked or long since kicked the habit.

Contact: Kylie Dawson

Phone: (02) 6767 7136 or 0408 677 299