This Week is National Respiratory Care Week which is a great opportunity to remind folks to be aware of your breathing! Do you have a wheezing or shortness of breath? Perhaps you attribute it to getting older or being out of shape? Do you have a cough or cold symptoms that just doesn't seem to go away? It's probably a good idea for you, especially, but honestly, for all smokers and ex-smokers to get tested for COPD/ Emphysema. 12 Million people who have COPD don't even know that they have it! Might you be one of these folks?
If you think you might want to be tested, ask your Doctor to give you a Spirometry Test. It's a simple breathing test, noninvasive, only takes a few minutes and you get immediate results! The cost of this test is minimal and most doctors have the spirometry machine right in their office. All you have to do is ask! Doctors have been found to test mostly white men over 50 when folks with COPD can be as young as 20 (and of course, female or of any race!) Get your results and ask your doctor to explain the numbers not just say "Oh, you're alright!" The number most pertinent is called FEV1%. It indicates your lung capacity.
Next Month is National COPD Awareness Month so get ready! I'll be nagging you all Month long to get tested! If you don't have COPD, you will sleep better! If you do have it, early diagnosis makes a world of difference in your ability to manage the disease and reclaim your Quality and Quantity of LIFE - beginning with living Smoke FREE!
Chronic Cough or Cold Could Be COPD: Learn More, Breathe Better
http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/online_features/health_and_wellness/chronic-cough-or-cold-could-...
Lower levels of a key lung protein increase the risk of developing cigarette-smoke-induced emphysema
http://phys.org/news/2012-10-key-lung-protein-cigarette-smoke-induced-emphysema.html#jCp
Cigar Versus Cigarette Smoking: Which Is Worse?
http://www.symptomfind.com/healthy-living/cigar-versus-cigarette/
Smokers beware: Smoking causes depression
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Smokers-beware-Smoking-causes-de...
Pro-smoking apps may boost teenage smoking risk
http://www.independent.ie/health/health-news/prosmoking-apps-may-boost-teenage-smoking-risk-3270286....
58 percent workers think 'smoking breaks' are unfair
http://www.indianexpress.com/comments/58-percent-workers-think-smoking-breaks-are-unfair/1020973
