COPD Coast2Coast Challenge 2012 Kicks Off Today

Let's walk, dance, swim, or run our way across Canada for COPD!

Join Team COPD to Raise Awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

All Saskatchewan residents are invited to participate in the Coast2Coast Challenge for COPD, increase their physical activity and track their activities for three weeks.

Saskatoon, November 1, 2012 – The Lung Association's fourth annual Coast2Coast Challenge kicks off today. This virtual trek across Canada is aimed to raise awareness about COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and to highlight the need for early diagnosis and enrolment in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. "There are about 60,000 Saskatchewan residents who have COPD; while we may be breathless, we are not powerless," says Darlene Green, a participant of the Saskatoon Pulmonary Rehab program and one of this year's Team COPD Ambassadors. "COPD cannot be cured but joining rehab has really improved our lives and can help others," she adds.

COPD is a slowly progressing, debilitating lung disease that causes the airways of the lungs to be inflamed and become blocked. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and by 2020, will be the third. COPD is a 'grab-bag' term that includes two major breathing diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The Lung Association is inviting people with COPD, their families, friends, neighbours, health care providers and supporters to join this year's Coast2Coast Challenge. Our goal is to cross Canada from coast-to-coast by November 21, celebrating World COPD Day (November 14) along the way. Participants will follow a virtual course that takes them from St. John's, NL to Victoria, BC and maybe even back! From November 1 to 21, participants are asked to keep track of how long they exercise – everything counts, from running to walking, or swimming or cycling.

Anyone can join this free, fun event and monitor our progress at www.coast2coast.sk.lung.ca.

"Joining rehab and quitting smoking has allowed us to continue being active. We attend rehab three times a week and bowl and curl each week", states Bob, Darlene's husband, who also has COPD. He also adds, "The program gave us the boost we needed to keep going and enjoy life."

Official kick-off events are being held at pulmonary rehabilitation programs located throughout Saskatchewan, including Lloydminster, Meadow Lake, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Radville, Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current.

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 programs on asthma, COPD, tobacco and sleep apnea. 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 or if you would like to interview Bob and Darlene Green, Team COPD's 2012 Ambassadors, please contact:

Jaimie Peters
Jaimie.peters@sk.lung.ca
The Lung Association of Saskatchewan
(306) 343-9511