http://www.lunguk.org/The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is launching the Love Your Lungs campaign in Fife on Wednesday, 10th February to screen its residents for the early signs and symptoms of a lung condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Research by the charity suggests there are an estimated 3.7 million people with COPD in the UK, yet only 900,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease. This means there are 2.8 million people who are currently unaware they have a condition which, if left untreated, could severely restrict their lives and eventually kill them. These are the “missing millions” the BLF wants to find.
Fife residents are being encouraged to come along to these free events after research by the charity showed that people in the area are 25.3% more likely to be admitted to hospital for COPD than the UK national average.
COPD is a term used to describe a number of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are often caused by smoking. It leads to damaged airways, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. As COPD progresses, people find it difficult to cope with everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs, and can be left literally fighting for breath. Damage to the lungs caused by COPD is irreversible but if diagnosed early, symptoms can be treated to prevent further damage.
Mairi McConnochie, COPD Project Officer at the British Lung Foundation said “With the cold snap sweeping over Scotland, it’s particularly important, now more than ever to maintain good lung health. Only 1.5% of the UK population is diagnosed correctly with COPD so I encourage any resident in Fife who is experiencing breathlessness or a persistent cough to come along to the events and be tested.”
The testing only takes around 10 minutes, doesn’t hurt and simply involves blowing in to a tube. Trained health professionals will be on hand to advise those having the tests. Testing events will take place at the following four locations:
Wed 10th February: Kingdom Shopping Centre, Glenrothes, 10am-4pm
Thurs 11th February: Mercat Shopping Centre, Kirkcaldy, 9am-5pm
Tues 16th February: Gala Bingo, Glenrothes, 10:30am-6:30pm
Wed 17th February: Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline, 10am-4pm
Research by the charity suggests there are an estimated 3.7 million people with COPD in the UK, yet only 900,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease. This means there are 2.8 million people who are currently unaware they have a condition which, if left untreated, could severely restrict their lives and eventually kill them. These are the “missing millions” the BLF wants to find.
Fife residents are being encouraged to come along to these free events after research by the charity showed that people in the area are 25.3% more likely to be admitted to hospital for COPD than the UK national average.
COPD is a term used to describe a number of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are often caused by smoking. It leads to damaged airways, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. As COPD progresses, people find it difficult to cope with everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs, and can be left literally fighting for breath. Damage to the lungs caused by COPD is irreversible but if diagnosed early, symptoms can be treated to prevent further damage.
Mairi McConnochie, COPD Project Officer at the British Lung Foundation said “With the cold snap sweeping over Scotland, it’s particularly important, now more than ever to maintain good lung health. Only 1.5% of the UK population is diagnosed correctly with COPD so I encourage any resident in Fife who is experiencing breathlessness or a persistent cough to come along to the events and be tested.”
The testing only takes around 10 minutes, doesn’t hurt and simply involves blowing in to a tube. Trained health professionals will be on hand to advise those having the tests. Testing events will take place at the following four locations:
Wed 10th February: Kingdom Shopping Centre, Glenrothes, 10am-4pm
Thurs 11th February: Mercat Shopping Centre, Kirkcaldy, 9am-5pm
Tues 16th February: Gala Bingo, Glenrothes, 10:30am-6:30pm
Wed 17th February: Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline, 10am-4pm
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