Living Better Together COPD Conference

On November 13, more than 300 people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , their families and caretakers attended Respiratory Health Association 's ninth annual Living Better Together COPD Conference, including more than 14 people from Ingalls Family Care Center in Flossmoor, IL.

Held each November in recognition of COPD Awareness Month, the conference
includes a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, lunch, oxygen support and the
opportunity for people living with COPD to connect with and learn from one
another. Topics at the 2012 conference included oxygen therapy, exercise and
practical tips for living well with the disease.

COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, but it is
estimated that half of the people living with the disease do not know they have
it. In Illinois, nearly 400,000 people have been diagnosed with COPD; as many as 800,000 Illinoisans likely have the disease. Without a proper diagnosis, people don’t know that help is available and they could be breathing easier.

Symptoms of COPD include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest
tightness. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, talk to a
healthcare provider about getting a simple breathing test called spirometry,
which only takes a few minutes.

Respiratory Health Association has been a public health leader since 1906.
Today, the association addresses asthma, COPD, lung cancer and other lung
diseases through research, advocacy and education. Learn more and get involved
at lungchicago.org.

Photos are courtesy of Sooz Main.