A Simple Breathing Test Tells Your Lung Health Story
Respiratory Therapists Provide Free Educational Screenings during Respiratory Care Week and Lung Health Day
For Immediate Release
DALLAS (October 1, 2003) – If you can blow out the candles on your birthday cake, you can take a simple lung test that reveals how well your lungs function. During the week of October 19-25, 2003, respiratory therapists all across the country will be encouraging those who are over 45 and who are current or former smokers to have spirometry.
“Spirometry measures the amount of air that you can blow out of your lungs, or your lung volume, and how fast you can blow it out, or your lung flow,” says David Shelledy, PhD RRT, president of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) – the professional association for respiratory therapists.
This simple test reveals how well your lungs function and can be predictive of lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Currently, helping those with COPD is at the top of our list, Shelledy adds.
“In the past several years we have seen an increase in the number of people who suffer from COPD,” Shelledy says. “Because of this respiratory therapists, as the frontline providers of respiratory care, have made educating the public about this lung disease a top priority.”
Primarily caused by smoking and also caused by exposure to occupational dusts and chemicals and by genetic conditions, COPD is one of the fastest growing diseases in the U.S. In addition, recent Centers for Disease Control data suggest that 14 million Americans are suffering from the disease without knowing they have it, while another 10 million have a confirmed diagnosis and are struggling everyday to live with COPD's devastating affects. In 2000, more women than men died from the disease, which costs the U.S. economy about $30.4 billion each year.
“Yet, early detection and diagnosis can help those with the disease live healthier, more quality lives,” Shelledy adds. “This is why our profession is offering free educational screenings across the country during this time. We want to curb the effects of smoking and help those who need medical care get it earlier.”
For a current list of free screenings in your community visit www.aarc.org/headlines/lung_health_day/screenings.asp.
The American Association for Respiratory Care, a professional membership association of respiratory therapists, celebrates Respiratory Care Week every October to honor the contributions of respiratory therapists across the country. This year, RC Week is slated for October 19-25, and the Association has added Lung Health Day, October 22, when it will roll out its patient education Web site: YourLungHealth.org.
Contact:
Kris Williams
972-243-2272
Williams@aarc.orgSuggested Sidebar:
Photos of normal lung function can be downloaded from our Web site at YourLungHealth.org . For more details, contact Kris Williams at the above information.
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