Are you at Risk for COPD? Get screened at Silver Cross Hospital Nov. 14
As many as 24 million Americans may have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and don’t know it. Any number of them may be in our community. The key to early diagnosis is screening.
Silver Cross Hospital has joined a national public health initiative led by Nascar legend Danica Patrick called DRIVE4COPD, to find the “missing millions” who may be at risk and do not know it and encourage them to talk to their healthcare professional about COPD. COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it harder and harder to breathe because less air is able to flow in and out of the lungs. As people get older, many assume that feeling out of breath while doing normal activities and wheezing are just signs of aging. But these symptoms could be early signs of COPD – and there’s a way for people to find out if they might be at risk.
Silver Cross Hospital will host a free COPD Awareness event, Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Conference Center located in Pavilion A, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. A registered respiratory therapist will share information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rehabilitation therapy. Participants will receive a free spirometry screening and take a five-question assessment to determine their risk for COPD.
“It’s important to diagnose COPD as soon as possible because it’s a progressive disease and once lung function is lost, it can’t be regained,” says Luanne Nurczyk, Manager of Respiratory Therapy and the Silver Cross Sleep Disorders Center.
Individuals who have a history of smoking more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime or experience any of the following common symptoms of COPD should be screened on Nov. 14 or talk with their doctor:
- Coughing, with or without mucus/phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
Register to attend the free COPD Awareness event by calling 1-888-660-HEAL (4325) or online at www.silvercross.org. Visit DRIVE4COPD.ORG to learn more about COPD and to help put the brakes on this common and debilitating disease.
