Maari Ma's Walking for COPD
“COPD is like breathing through a straw all day, every day” is the message staff at Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation will be highlighting tomorrow to mark World COPD Day 2016.
COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a long term disease of the lungs which causes shortness of breath and a repetitive cough.
It is one of the leading causes of death and disease, and can be caused from cigarette smoking, passive smoking and air pollutants.
Maari Ma’s Manager Community Engagement. Kaylene Kemp, said Maari Ma will be spreading awareness about COPD tomorrow and what people can do to reduce breathlessness.
“We have more than 90 clients in Broken Hill who have been diagnosed with COPD.
“Research shows that those most at risk are 35 years or older and have a history of smoking or occupational exposure to dust, gas and/or fumes.
“73% of our clients diagnosed are, or have been smokers.
“In an effort to raise awareness of COPD in our communities we will be conducting a one kilometre walk from our Primary Health Care Service in Argent Street tomorrow morning to Kintore Reserve where we’ll have a free BBQ.
“All community members are invited to join us, and screening will be available at Kintore Reserve and at the Primary Health Care Service.
“COPD can be diagnosed early by a simple lung function test called spirometry.
“If you have COPD there are many things that can be done to help you breathe easier and live a quality life.
“COPD is not curable but it is treatable if it is properly diagnosed, and that’s why identifying the signs of COPD and acting early are important” Ms Kemp said.
The walk to raise awareness of COPD will leave from Maari Ma’s Primary Health Care Service at 9.00am tomorrow 16th November and will end at Kintore Reserve with a BBQ breakfast.
ENDS
15th November 2016
For more information / available for interview contact
Manager Community Engagement, Kaylene Kemp 08 80829888