We Are Breathless - Not Powerless

We Are Breathless - Not Powerless

Saskatoon, November 1, 2010 – The Lung Association’s third 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. “We estimate that 60,000 Saskatchewan residents have COPD and, while this chronic lung disease may leave people breathless, they are not powerless”, says Dr. Brian Graham, President & CEO of The Lung Association. “COPD cannot be cured but there is a lot that can be done to improve the lives of people living with COPD,” he 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, and by 2020, will be the third leading cause of death worldwide. 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 in time for World COPD Day, November 17. Participants will follow a virtual course that takes them from Victoria, BC to St. John’s, NL to Iqaluit, NU and then back to Victoria, BC, an entire round trip of over 19,000 kilometres! From November 1 to 17, participants are asked to keep track of how long you exercise – everything counts, from running to walking, from swimming to cycling. Together, our goal is to travel across Canada from coast to coast to raise awareness and celebrate the efforts of COPD patients and supporters. Anyone can join this free fun event and monitor the progress on www.sk.lung.ca.

“The impact that pulmonary rehabilitation has on individuals with COPD is far reaching,” says Dr. Darcy Marciniuk, Respirologist, COPD Professor and Researcher from the University of Saskatchewan. “Not only do participants experience improvements in exercise and activity, they also find improvements in their ability to cope with COPD because they are surrounded and supported by many like-minded participants and aided by certified respiratory educators.”

Official kick-off events are being held at pulmonary rehabilitation programs located throughout Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Prince Albert. This year we have two new rehabilitation programs located in Swift Current and North Battleford that are joining in the trek.

To learn more about the Coast2Coast Challenge and other World COPD activities or to register, email Bernie Bolley, The Lung Association’s Team Prairie Lily Coordinator at bernie.bolley@sk.lung.ca, call 1-888-566-LUNG (5864), or follow the link on our homepage at www.sk.lung.ca. For more information about COPD, please call The Lung Association of Saskatchewan’s BreathWorks Helpline at 1-866-717-COPD (2673) to speak to one of our certified respiratory educators.

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 contact:
Bernie Bolley
The Lung Association of Saskatchewan
(306) 343-9511

When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.