The Lung Association - We are the Christmas Seal People! Celebrate healthy lungs & clean air this holiday season

The Lung Association - We are the Christmas Seal People!
Celebrate healthy lungs & clean air this holiday season

Saskatoon, December 18, 2012 - 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." If you would like to make a year-end donation, please visit us at www.sk.lung.ca/donate.

About The Lung Association

Established in 1911, The Lung Association is Saskatchewan's oldest and most respected health charity. We are the leading organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs, and advocacy on lung health issues in Saskatchewan.

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For more information please contact:

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