World COPD Day 2013 improves awareness and care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Post By: Shona Innes

'Take 5 and Stay Alive'
Source: BLF

Today’s event is organised annually by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), with this year’s theme as “It’s Not Too Late”.

The theme supports efforts to develop new treatments for COPD and gives a positive message that there are actions which can be taken by sufferers at any stage of a COPD diagnosis to improve their respiratory health.

It is estimated that there are around three million people in England alone living with the disease, which causes around 40,000 deaths a year in the UK. Figures also show that over two million people don’t actually know they are suffering from the condition.

Awareness days such as World COPD Day 2013 give people a better understanding and knowledge of issues that they were possibly unaware of before and could potentially save lives.

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is just one of the organisations who are showing their support for today’s event. They have arranged a variety of activities to help raise awareness including the ‘COPD Patient Pathway’, which is an interactive online guide for those living with COPD. The guide also helps their carers and healthcare professionals to identify the level of care patients should be receiving.

Other events include ‘Love Your Lungs’ which allows potential sufferers to get their lungs tested and also the Breathe Easy event organised by BLF Breathe Easy support groups.

In September, the BLF launched a major campaign called ‘Take 5 and Stay Alive’ which is designed to raise awareness about the dangers and risks of asbestos amongst tradespeople.

'Take 5 and
Stay Alive'
Source: BLF

It ensures that those dealing with asbestos have the knowledge to identify the dangerous material and can dispose of it safely. If asbestos fibres are disturbed or inhaled then a person is at risk of contracting a range of potentially fatal illnesses including Mesothelioma.

“Our Take 5 and Stay Alive campaign aims to give tradespeople the tools to act responsibly. Our message is simple - taking just five minutes to assess the situation could save your life, and keep your family, friends, clients and business safe from exposure to potentially fatal asbestos dust, ” said Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation.

More information on asbestos and the ‘Take 5 and Stay Alive’ by the BLF can be found at www.take5andstayalive.com.

Visit the Frontline Safety blog for more articles on the dangers of asbestos, respirable crystalline silica and other respiratory-related matters. If you require more information on the products included in some of our articles please contact through [email protected].

Frontline Safety offer a wide range of breathing apparatus and dust monitoring equipment, including face masks, filters and air sampling kits.
View these products and more at www.frontline-safety.co.uk.

Posted by Shona Innes