The Irish Lung Health Alliance launches First-Ever National Lung Health Awareness Week

News Article | 16 Sep 2014

Lung Health Roadshow to Feature Fascinating Science Exhibition and Offer Free Lung Health Testing as part of First-Ever National Lung Health Awareness Week September 22nd - 29th 

  • Lung disease responsible for 1 in 5 deaths, more than heart disease
     
  • Ireland has third highest death rate from lung disease in Western Europe
     
  • Previous research suggests 1 in 7 has an undiagnosed lung condition
     
  • Public encouraged to have spirometry (lung function) test

 Ireland's first-ever National Lung Health Awareness Week, from September 22 to 29, will see a national roadshow get underway offering free lung testing alongside an exciting science exhibition to highlight the importance of healthy lungs for life. The initiative, which is being undertaken by the Irish Lung Health Alliance, a coalition of 15 leading Irish charities, and sponsored by GSK, will see an interactive health and well-being exhibition – "BodyWorks on Tour" in partnership with the Glasgow Science Centre – visit Dublin, Cork, Galway and Portlaoise, Ireland's Healthy Town 2014. For information on the campaign and what people can do to safeguard their lung health, visit www.lunghealth.ie  In 2012 alone, more than 5,500 people died of lung diseases in Ireland1. In fact, it is estimated that one in five deaths in Ireland is caused by lung disease2 – more than heart disease3 – and Ireland has the third highest death rate for lung disease in Western Europe4. Lung disease incorporates asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, sleep apnoea, lung fibrosis, sarcoidosis, alpha one antitrypsin deficiency, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, bronchitis or emphysema. The week is part of a global initiative to combat lung disease, co-ordinated by the European Respiratory Society and the European Lung Foundation. 

BodyWorks on Tour Exhibition Fun & Games, but with a Serious Message

The BodyWorks on Tour exhibition taking place in various centres across Ireland offers a really fun, engaging and hands-on opportunity for all of the family to find out about their bodies and, in particular, their lungs, and the science behind lung health. It is hoped that it will also help empower people to make positive decisions about their own health. Respiratory physiologists will be on hand to offer free spirometry lung testing to members of the public. Spirometry is the fastest and most accurate way to measure lung function and screen for potentially fatal diseases. The test is painless and takes just a few minutes. Its importance is underlined by previous research undertaken by the Irish Lung Health Alliance that showed one in seven Irish people had an undiagnosed lung condition5. Amongst the activities featuring as part of the BodyWorks on Tour exhibition are a pulse oximeter, which measures the oxygen saturation of blood, lung volume bags that measure lung capacity, and Anato-Me vests that enable children discover where organs are in the body. There are lots of exhibits too, including a heart beat drum where people can measure their own heart beat, an age machine which takes a person's picture and offers a glimpse into their future, and there's also an opportunity to look at a smoker's lungs to see how challenging it is to inflate them, plus lots, lots more.  

The Simple Spirometry Test That Can Lead to Better Lung Health

Dr. Anthony O'Regan, Consultant Respiratory Physician, and spokesperson for the Irish Lung Health Alliance, comments: "It's important to emphasise that the majority of lung diseases are preventable, by not smoking, avoiding toxins in the air, eating a healthy diet and living an active life. However, if lung disease occurs, it's equally important to know that when caught early, we can significantly improve people's chances of going on to live a healthy life. "There is a poor awareness among the public about the importance of having their doctor check for lung disease and, if necessary, organise lung tests such as spirometry. This simple test can identify some common lung diseases even before symptoms appear and can lead to effective treatment. It's important to remember that if people have symptoms such as shortness of breath or wheeze, persistent cough or phlegm, or coughing up of blood, then they should visit their doctor straightaway. The sooner a problem is treated, the better the results and further irreversible lung damage can be averted. Early action is vital."We hope that with this campaign and our Lung Health Awareness Roadshow that it will get people thinking about lung health and ultimately help to reduce the burden of lung disease on society. I'd really encourage people to come along to the roadshow if they can, have a spirometry lung test – completely free of charge – and have lots of fun taking part in all of the activities and viewing of the exhibits."  The National Lung Health Awareness Week roadshow will visit the following locations from 11am to 3pm each day (please note that in relation to the free spirometry lung testing that pre-registration is advisable at www.lunghealth.ie):
 

  • Dublin – September 22, Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2
     
  • Cork – September 23, Devere Hall, University College Cork, Cork
     
  • Galway – September 24, Aula Maxima, National University of Ireland, Galway
     
  • Portlaoise – September 25, Parish Centre, Portlaoise

Five Tips for Better Lung Health

  1. Don't smoke – more than half of all deaths from respiratory disease are due to diseases caused by smoking
     
  2. Stay active – exercise keeps lungs healthy and people should do 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week
     
  3. Eat a healthy diet, including increased consumption of fruit and vegetables, antioxidants, flavanoids, fish and omega-3 fatty acids
     
  4. Get your annual influenza vaccine from your GP if you're over 65 years, have an impaired immune system or long-term medical condition, or are pregnant. Also ask your GP about the pneumococcal vaccine
     
  5. If you have a chronic lung condition such as COPD or asthma, try to avoid environmental smoke, fumes and chemicals in the air, including from passive smoking, fossil fuels, vehicle exhausts, etc. If you have allergies or asthma, be aware of high pollen counts

Did You Know?

  • Lung disease is the most prevalent condition reported in young adults aged 18-24 years
     
  • A set of lungs has enough surface area to cover an entire tennis court
     
  • 8.6 months is the average loss of life expectancy in Europe due to poor air quality and the European Union permits levels of certain pollutants at a higher level than those deemed safe by the World Health Organisation