For many individuals, thinking about their lung health isn't on the top of their priority list. But this month, the COPD Foundation announced the launch of the online Lung Health Check developed in an educational collaboration with WebMD. (Development of the Lung Health Check was made possible by funding from the COPD Foundation.)
The Lung Health Check is an educational platform that both teaches the key symptoms and risks of developing lung disease, and suggests appropriate steps to take to prevent or manage disease. This solution offers a quick check on the effects that a breathing problem is having on a person’s life, and offers suggestions both for those already diagnosed with a lung problem and those with respiratory symptoms as yet undiagnosed. The Lung Health Check will not give out medical advice, but is intended to serve as an educational resource and tool.
Spreading Awareness
“The COPD Foundation is extremely excited about this collaboration with WebMD and to be able to provide a resource to help assess lung health,” said John W. Walsh, President of the COPD Foundation. Walsh said the new platform will help “inform, educate, empower and engage individuals to learn more about their lung health,” and enable more effective interaction with healthcare providers.
“Those of us already diagnosed with lung conditions like COPD understand the importance of early and complete diagnosis and the value of ‘learn more breathe better’,” said Walsh. He said the Lung Health Check will be “a resource to millions of people searching for answers” to their shortness of breath.
“Millions have been diagnosed with lung problems and millions more have symptoms suggesting a possible lung problem, shortness of breath or cough or phlegm production, but remain undiagnosed,” said Byron Thomashow, MD, Chairman of the COPD Foundation.
“Most lung problems are treatable but can only be treated if properly diagnosed,” Thomashow said. “The Lung Health Check allows people with respiratory complaints to get a better idea of their lung health and then share the results with their healthcare provider. For some, the Lung Health Check may be a place to start. For others it may be a place to gauge one’s progress.”
How It Works
After completing the Lung Health Check, users receive three customized reports that focus on various aspects of health and offer suggestions such as how to ask for help, reduce stress, get better sleep and stay active. This online solution is designed to assist both health care providers—physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists—and people concerned about their own lung health or that of their family members. Patients can print the reports and bring them to a physician, which may aid in diagnosis.
The Lung Health Check also provides access to a wealth of information and resources. It teaches people to take an active role in managing their disease, including how to follow a medication regimen, and explains the kinds of testing needed for proper diagnosis (such as spirometry for COPD).
The Lung Health Check is just one of several programs the COPD Foundation has created to spread awareness of COPD for the year 2010, which the World Health Organization has designated “The Year of the Lung.”
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