The Lung Association – The Christmas Seal People!

The Lung Association – The Christmas Seal People!

Saskatoon, December 21, 2011 - During the month of December our social calendar fills up as we gather together with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the holidays in our own special way. Many of our Saskatchewan residents will travel during this time while others are preparing for the arrival of much anticipated guests.

To ensure that our residents and visitors, especially those with lung disease, have a safe and healthy holiday season, here are some holiday survival tips courtesy of The Lung Association:

• For those people who have not had a chance to have a flu shot, it is never too late. Contact your family doctor or local public health office to enquire about getting the flu shot.
• Proper hand washing is essential to staying healthy. It is particularly important to wash your hands before eating or preparing food and after using the washroom.
• If you have not ever had a pneumonia shot, speak to your family doctor. If you have had a pneumonia shot in the past, talk to your doctor about the need for a repeat shot.
• Avoid contact with people who have a cold or the flu - including family members. If you do have contact, wash your hands.
• This can be a particularly busy and stressful time of year. Ensure you are getting enough rest from holiday activities like visiting with family and shopping.
• There is a big increase in COPD flare-ups and hospitalisations during the Christmas season. If you have COPD, please be vigilant. If you notice the signs of a flare-up, be sure to follow your action plan and seek help early.

Please contact The Lung Association to speak with our certified respiratory educators for additional healthy holiday tips or to answer your questions by calling our provincial office in Saskatoon at 343-9511 or 1-888-566-LUNG elsewhere in Saskatchewan.

"We couldn't do all of this wonderful work without our donors and support from the public," says Dr. Brian Graham, The Lung Association's President & CEO. "Thank you for your generosity during the holiday season and throughout the year."

About The Lung Association

Established in 1911, The Lung Association is Saskatchewan's oldest health charity. You have come to know and trust The Lung Association as the premier source for lung health in our province. All of our quality educational materials, programs, services and treatment guidelines are based on current evidence-based research. You will find The Lung Association active in communities across Saskatchewan conducting lung disease prevention and management programs that include asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, lung cancer and smoking cessation. The Lung Association also provides training for health care professionals, delivers health education in schools, facilitates patient support groups, and lobbies for clean air.

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For more information please contact:

Sharon Kremeniuk
Vice President Development
(306) 352-2004
sharon.kremeniuk@sk.lung.ca

Stella Spanos
Operations Associate
(306) 343-9511
stella.spanos@sk.lung.ca