To mark World COPD Day, COPD Support Ireland is hosting a virtual wellness conference on Saturday November 21.
COPD Support Ireland is the national umbrella group for COPD support groups nationwide and the event will feature speakers addressing a range of topics from minding our mental health to having a better night’s sleep, among other things.
People with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), their families and carers, can register for the conference free of charge HERE.
COPD is perhaps more commonly known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and is characterised by breathlessness and persistent coughing with or without phlegm.
According to the most recent statistics, there were 1,949 people from Galway hospitalised as a result of COPD between 2016 and 2018. COPD is the third leading cause of death globally, with exposure to tobacco smoke and other environmental toxins the main risk factors for developing the disease, alongside family history and having chronic asthma.
3 Things to Keep 3 Steps Ahead of COPD
Unfortunately, we know that each winter there is an increase in emergency admissions to hospital due to respiratory conditions with COPD the most common cause.
With the recent surge in COVID-19, COPD Support Ireland is anxious, more than ever, to avoid a surge of COPD hospitalisations this winter. COPD Support Ireland is urging people living with the condition to do the following three things to keep three steps ahead of their COPD
- Make sure to get the pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations.
- Have an adequate supply of medication.
- Don’t delay in seeking help if feeling unwell. Get in touch with a GP straightaway to be treated early.
