Hospital Offers Free Lung Testing For COPD

November 6, 2014

Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB] will offer free lung testing for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] next week in the lobby of the new Acute Care Wing on Point Finger Road. The testing will be available to smokers or former smokers over the age of 40. The screenings will take place on Wednesday, 12 November between 11 am and 2 pm as part of COPD education awareness week.

Debbie Barboza, BHB Asthma and Chronic Lung Disease Nurse Educator said: “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] is a common lung disease that blocks the airways, making breathing difficult. It is a major cause of disability as well as a leading cause of death.

COPD greatly impacts quality of life for patients and their family members and kills three million people worldwide every year.

“Many people have lung disease and don’t know it. Some think their symptoms are just a natural part of the aging process. However, COPD is a life-threatening disease that will get worse if not treated. While there is no cure, treatments and lifestyle changes can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease.

“Symptoms include coughing, bringing up phlegm or mucus and getting short of breath when doing physical activity, such as walking up a flight of stairs, walking the dog, shopping or getting washed and dressed.”

If you are over 40, with a history of smoking and have these symptoms come to the hospital lobby in the Acute Care Wing for free lung screening that can determine your risk.

The Asthma/COPD Education Centre is located at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute. To make an appointment for COPD education, call 239-1652 or email asthma.centre@bhb.bm.

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  1. Fruity says:

    THIS IS AWESOME