Plan Now for World Spirometry Day October 14, 2010 is World Spirometry Day. It’s a day to encourage more people to get their lungs tested for an early indication of diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a serious lung disease which makes it hard to breathe. Watch the Am I at Risk for COPD video here: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/what-is-copd/getting-tested.htm. Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that measures the amount of air a person can blow out of the lungs (volume) and how fast he or she can blow it out (flow). Based on this test, your doctor can tell if you have COPD and certain other conditions that affect breathing. Spirometry can also help your doctor determine the best course of treatment. If you or someone you know has symptoms such as chronic coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing, see your doctor for this simple breathing test.
Join the Effort to Support COPD Awareness Month in November Plan now to help raise awareness about the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. It takes everyone to educate people about COPD from patient-focused groups and health professionals alike. The NHLBI offers ways to get involved with the COPD Learn More Breathe Better® campaign. Please share your activities and events by registering at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/event-listing/index.htm.
Use the NHLBI’s COPD Education Information and Resources Follow this link to find helpful resources to use during COPD Awareness Month.
The NHLBI Health Information Now Available at Your Fingertips The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has updated its Web site and added more digital information including podcasts, educational videos, Web applications and downloadable fact sheets. Browse the updated online catalog to locate NHLBI materials and find out how to access NHLBI resources, from clinical practice guidelines to fact sheets, including: - Downloading specific educational materials for self-printing
- Using content in newsletters and on Web sites
- Ordering print materials in limited quantities
- Ordering printers’ disks, to use when locally printing large quantities
Materials may also be ordered in printed form at no charge in limited quantities. | 