This World COPD Day (21 November 2018), Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) is raising awareness of the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Hundreds of thousands of people across Australia have COPD and don’t know it. Often they are struggling with daily symptoms and can experience a poorer quality of life as a result.
With the right diagnosis, treatment and support, people with COPD can drastically improve their quality of life.
Fast facts*:
• One in seven Australians over the age of 40 has COPD.
• COPD can affect males and females of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Causes can include: tobacco smoking, passive smoke and exposure to occupational or environmental pollutants. • Symptoms can be mistaken as signs of ageing, lack of fitness or asthma and include: shortness of breath, repetitive cough, phlegm or mucus. Local awareness: CCLHD Respiratory nurses are holding two local events to raise awareness of COPD and its symptoms: Central Coast residents are invited to come along and check their lung health. • Wednesday 21 November: 9am – 2pm COPD information stand at the Imperial Centre, Gosford. • Thursday 22 November 9am – 2pm COPD display in the front foyer of Wyong Hospital. Ask our staff about COPD, diagnosis, treatment options, exercise programs and smoking cessation.