COPD Support Ireland is launching an impactful nationwide initiative, the COPD & Me Roadshow, designed to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This pivotal event will make a stop in Limerick city later this month, marking a crucial opportunity for local residents to learn more about this significant health issue.
Scheduled to coincide with World COPD Day, the roadshow will take place in the bustling Crescent Shopping Centre on Tuesday, November 19, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, providing a platform for education and support on a condition that affects a significant portion of the population.
Recent statistics reveal that from 2020 to 2022, Limerick experienced 1,145 hospital admissions due to COPD, highlighting the urgency of addressing this health challenge. Nationally, it’s estimated that around 380,000 individuals live with COPD in Ireland, yet only 110,000 have received a formal diagnosis, pointing to a critical gap in awareness and treatment.
Attendees at the roadshow will have the invaluable opportunity for free spirometry testing, conducted by a qualified respiratory physiologist. Spirometry, a straightforward and non-invasive breathing test, assesses lung function by measuring airflow and identifying potential obstructions, offering vital information on the condition of an individual’s respiratory health.
A dedicated team of health professionals will be present to facilitate the testing process and provide essential health information, ensuring that individuals leave with a clearer understanding of their respiratory health and the next steps they should consider.
COPD Support Ireland strongly encourages anyone experiencing symptoms such as persistent breathlessness or ongoing cough—whether or not accompanied by phlegm—to consult their GP regarding a spirometry test. Many GP practices across the country now offer direct access to HSE Spirometry Services, located in local Integrated Care Hubs, making it easier than ever for patients to seek diagnosis and care.
Associate Professor Stanley Miller, a Consultant Respiratory Physician and Chair of COPD Support Ireland, elaborates on the nature of COPD, stating:
“COPD is an umbrella term encompassing both emphysema, which involves damage to the lung’s air sacs, and chronic bronchitis, characterized by airway inflammation. This condition leads to difficulty expelling air from the lungs, causing those affected to experience breathlessness. A COPD diagnosis typically follows a combination of symptom assessment, such as shortness of breath and chronic cough, along with identifying risk factors like smoking, confirmed through spirometry testing.”
“While COPD remains incurable, it is certainly treatable. Specialist teams within HSE Integrated Care Hubs are assisting thousands of individuals with COPD, allowing them to receive care closer to home. Through a combination of professional management and self-care strategies, many people with COPD can significantly enhance their quality of life.”
Joan Johnston, General Manager of COPD Support Ireland, is passionately advocating for increased awareness of COPD symptoms and the importance of seeking medical attention when concerns arise.
“We know that a significant number of people in this country are living with COPD, yet many remain undiagnosed. This often stems from a misattribution of symptoms to aging or from being in the early stages of the disease when symptoms aren’t prominent. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving quality of life; far too many individuals suffer needlessly and face premature death from a preventable and treatable disease.”
“Thus, World COPD Day plays a vital role in raising awareness of this disease and clarifying the actions we can take to manage our health better if we have respiratory issues. If you are experiencing persistent breathlessness and coughing, don’t hesitate to consult your GP for a spirometry test. If you have already received a COPD diagnosis, we encourage you to connect with COPD Support Ireland for comprehensive support and resources.”
For those concerned about their respiratory health, assistance is available through the COPD Advice Line at Freefone 1800 832 146, which operates Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, offering access to respiratory health professionals for inquiries and referrals to local support services.
Additionally, COPD Support Ireland has published a new booklet titled COPD & Me, serving as an essential resource for living with COPD. This guide is laden with valuable information covering diagnosis, treatment, exercise, nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being.
To find out more about the roadshow’s schedule across the nation or to access the COPD & Me booklet, visit www.copd.ie.
The COPD & Me Roadshow is generously supported by GSK, Vitalograph, AstraZeneca, and A Menarini.
COPD & Me Roadshow: Breathe Easy, Limerick!
Alright, folks, gather ’round! We’re talking about COPD, the *chronic obstructive pulmonary disease*, not some awkward dinner party topic. If your lungs are feeling like old balloons that won’t inflate properly, we’ve got some exciting news for you! COPD Support Ireland is kicking off a countrywide COPD & Me Roadshow to raise awareness—and it’s making a stop in Limerick!
On November 19th, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, head over to the Crescent shopping centre. That’s right, folks—while you’re out shopping for your new pair of “I don’t care what they think” sneakers, take a quick pit stop to check on your lung health.
What’s the Big Deal?
Let’s get serious for just a second. Did you know that between 2020 and 2022, Limerick saw a whopping 1,145 hospital admissions due to COPD? That’s not just a statistic; those are real people with real struggles. In Ireland alone, about 380,000 people are estimated to be living with COPD, yet only 110,000 have received the diagnosis. This is alarming and certainly something to cough about—sorry, I meant think about!
Free Tests and Expert Advice!
During the roadshow, you can participate in a free spirometry test. What in the world is that, you ask? It’s a simple, painless way to measure how well your lungs are functioning, and I promise it’s less complicated than assembling IKEA furniture! The shrewd respiratory physiologists will help you blow into a spirometer. It’ll tell you if there’s an obstruction in your lungs. If they start giving you long-winded medical jargon, just nod and say, “I’m just here for the free air check, doc!”
Why Should You Care?
Well, for starters, COPD isn’t curable, but it *is* treatable. That’s like finding out you can’t get rid of your bad haircut, but hey, at least you can style it better! Thousands of folks are now being treated closer to home and learning to manage their condition. Associate Professor Stanley Miller, the ultimate expert on breath-related weariness, explains this beautifully.
“COPD is an umbrella term that covers both emphysema and chronic bronchitis,” he explained. So, if you think you’re just out of breath from chasing your kids or that mysterious fluff on the couch, think again! Listen to your body, because ignoring it is a bit like trying to ignore the fact that you’ve hit the snooze button too many times—eventually, you *will* run out of time!
Don’t Be an Ostrich!
General Manager Joan Johnston is urging everyone to familiarize themselves with COPD symptoms. You wouldn’t want to suffer unnecessarily or die prematurely from a treatable illness, would you? Just think how sad it would be to go out over “bad lungs”—becauselet’s be honest, that’s a pretty lame reason to check out early! So if you’re feeling breathless or cough up a little more than you should, get your bum over to your GP and ask about that spirometry test.
And for those of you who think you’re invincible or *too young for that*—think again! Early diagnosis is crucial. You can’t brush symptoms off as “just what happens when you get older.” Your lungs might be filing complaints, and they want to be heard!
Got Questions? We’ve Got Solutions!
If you’re worried about COPD, do yourself a favor: Call the COPD Advice Line on Freefone 1800 832 146. They’ll get a respiratory health professional on the line who can clear up any confusion before you start Googling “Can I breathe underwater?” or other equally concerning questions.
In Conclusion…
Don’t let your lungs start a rebellion—go check them out! The COPD & Me Roadshow is a golden opportunity to learn about managing your health while shopping, so you can either leave with better lungs or at least that fabulous new jacket you have your eye on. For all the details on dates and locations, or to nab yourself a copy of the COPD & Me booklet, head to www.copd.ie.
Remember: Your lungs are important, they’re not just there for decoration. Let’s get informed, get tested, and blast off into cleaner, healthier breathing!
Strich—Get Informed!
Joining us today is Joan Johnston, the General Manager of COPD Support Ireland, to shed light on the upcoming COPD & Me Roadshow and why it matters. Welcome, Joan!
**Interviewer:** Joan, thank you for being here! Let’s dive right into it. Why is the COPD & Me Roadshow so important, especially for the residents of Limerick?
**Joan Johnston:** Thanks for having me! The COPD & Me Roadshow is crucial because it raises awareness of a condition that affects so many people, yet remains largely underdiagnosed. In Limerick alone, over a thousand hospital admissions between 2020 and 2022 highlight that this is a significant health issue. We want to educate the public on symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of early diagnosis.
**Interviewer:** That’s a staggering statistic! What should attendees expect when they come to the roadshow?
**Joan Johnston:** Attendees will have the opportunity for free spirometry testing. This simple, non-invasive test helps identify potential lung issues by measuring airflow and detecting obstructions. Additionally, our team of health professionals will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance on respiratory health.
**Interviewer:** It’s great to hear that there’s professional support available. Many people don’t recognize the symptoms of COPD. What should they be aware of?
**Joan Johnston:** Common symptoms include persistent breathlessness and a chronic cough. It’s easy for individuals to dismiss these signs as simply aging or seasonal sickness, but that can lead to severe consequences. We urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to consult their GP for a spirometry test. It’s vital to get diagnosed early, as timely intervention can significantly enhance quality of life.
**Interviewer:** What resources will you provide for people who already have a COPD diagnosis?
**Joan Johnston:** We offer comprehensive support through our COPD Advice Line and resources like our new booklet, “COPD & Me,” which covers everything from diagnosis to treatment and lifestyle adjustments. We aim to empower people living with COPD to manage their condition more effectively.
**Interviewer:** Joan, this event is also coinciding with World COPD Day. Why is that date significant?
**Joan Johnston:** World COPD Day is all about global awareness. It emphasizes the need for increased recognition of COPD and advocates for better care. By hosting our roadshow on this day, we can engage with the community, spread the message, and encourage those who might be suffering in silence to take action regarding their respiratory health.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Joan! Before we wrap up, what final message do you want to share with our audience?
**Joan Johnston:** Don’t hesitate to prioritize your health! If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms, please consult your GP and consider attending the roadshow on November 19th at the Crescent Shopping Centre. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to help guide you towards better lung health.
**Interviewer:** Wonderful advice, Joan! Thank you for joining us today, and thank you for the important work that COPD Support Ireland is doing. We hope to see many Limerick residents stop by the roadshow!
**Joan Johnston:** Thank you for having me! We can’t wait to meet everyone in Limerick!
