THURSDAY, 13 NOVEMBER, 2014

PHOTOGRAPH OPPORTUNITY: THE CRESCENT ( WHITFIELD LIFE SERVICES CENTRE) , 71 LOTHIAN CRESCENT, DUNDEE, WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 1.30 - 4PM

Dundee event supports World COPD Day

Dundonians are invited to come along to a free information event at The Crescent in Whitfield on Wednesday 19 November which aims to help people living with long term lung conditions.

World COPD Day is an annual event which aims to raise public awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) around the world. It is organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

COPD is an umbrella term for a number of progressive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and

emphysema. It is the fifth biggest killer in the UK and the World Health Organisation lists it as the

fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

More than 4500 people in Dundee are living with a diagnosis of COPD and it is estimated that a further 4,500 are living in the community with an undiagnosed chronic lung condition.

The free event called ‘Take a Bite at Living Well with COPD’ is being held at The Crescent and will run from 1.30pm until 4pm. It is open to the public, especially anyone living with a lung condition, their families, carers and friends.

During the afternoon there will be the opportunity to visit display stands, speak directly with health experts and find out about local agencies providing information on home safety, welfare benefits and legal issues such as Power of Attorney.

A range of information will be available covering topics such as diet and nutrition, pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise, relaxation, as well as how to use an inhaler correctly.

Specialist COPD nurse Maria Wain said, “The aim of this event is to help people living with COPD to live better by providing up-to-date information on what people can do to help themselves manage their condition and signpost them to partner agencies.

“COPD is under-diagnosed as the early stages are often unrecognised. This is because the development of symptoms tends to be slow and people may be unaware of them and accept a chronic cough or mild breathlessness as a “normal” part of getting older or an expected consequence of smoking.

“Visitors to the event will be able to visit a wide range of health information stands, speak with health professionals including a specialist COPD nurse and a dietitian as well as pick up information on local leisure and social activities delivered by clubs and partner agencies.”

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138