“IF YOU CAN’T BREATHE, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS”
This message was delivered to Club members by Cheryl Feldstein of Lung Association – Alberta, NWT in her presentation to the Club on October 25th. Cheryl suffers from Asthma which is a chronic lung condition characterized by difficulty in breathing. The airways react by narrowing or obstructing when they become irritated. This makes it difficult for the air to move in and out. By inviting members to breathe through three differently-sized straws she demonstrated very effectively how one reacts to the different stages of an asthma attack. (Look for these straws in the Lung Association campaign envelope when it arrives in your mail).
Cheryl was passionate about her work. She reminded members that The Lung Association also provides assistance for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). (One Club member who is a victim of this disease) shared the difficulties of living with and travel preparations (kits) which are a necessity in an attack. Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema are the two major breathing diseases. Many members could relate to Sleep Apnea which occurs when an individual stops breathing while they are sleeping, anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute throughout the night. It can happen dozens of times every night. Once again, Cheryl provided an apt demonstration of what sleep apnea can sound like to those around them.
The Lung Association focuses on prevention and reduction of tobacco use throughout the region by providing education, advocacy and support services to members of the community. The Association is also concerned with other lung health issues and is involved with other stakeholders across the province, territories and country.
Funds raised by the Lung Association enables health researchers and PhD student to study respiratory illnesses and develop innovative treatments for the benefit of thousands of people suffering from lung disorders.