COPD Foundation Marks COPD Awareness Month in November
Miami (October 31, 2024) - November is COPD Awareness Month. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects more than 30 million Americans and is characterized by shortness of breath.
COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor.
The COPD Foundation and its community have a full month of activities planned in November to raise awareness of COPD and to emphasize the need for increased research, funding and support for people impacted by chronic lung disease.
"This November, we join lung health champions around the world to raise awareness of COPD. COPD affects millions of people, yet many are unaware of the disease and its symptoms," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "By increasing awareness through initiatives like Lace Up for Lungs, social media sharing and lighting landmarks, we can collaborate toward better understanding and management of COPD to help people live longer, healthier lives."
COPD Awareness Month activities include:
- Get Active with Lace Up for Lungs: Get moving for 30 minutes every day in November. Start a Facebook fundraiser, invite your friends to donate and join, and post about your daily activity progress in the Facebook group.
- Share on Social Media: The social media toolkit includes pre-written posts and images for easy sharing, as well as information on other ways people can raise awareness of COPD.
- Light the Night Orange for COPD: Lung health champions across the nation are asking their city halls, bridges and other local official buildings to light up orange during the month of November.
- World COPD Day: November 20 is World COPD Day. People are encouraged to wear orange to represent COPD awareness.
The Lace Up for Lungs Awareness Campaign is generously supported by Cipla Limited, Insmed Incorporated, Theravance Biopharma, Inc., and Viatris Inc.
For more information about how to get involved with COPD Awareness Month activities and become a lung health champion, visit copdfoundation.org.
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About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. The Foundation does this through scientific research, education, advocacy, and awareness to prevent disease, slow progression, and find a cure. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact:
Brittany Irish
805-465-2497
mediarelations@copdfoundation.org