COPD awareness month

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States in 2016, following heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries. More than 11 million people have been diagnosed with COPD, but millions more may have the disease without even knowing it.

Smoking is linked to up to 90 percent of all COPD deaths in the United States. Women have higher rates of COPD than men. In Washington alone, 5.7 percent of adults have COPD. Interesting that Washington has lower-than-average COPD prevalence, but the overall smoking rate is higher than average. If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Quitting smoking is the single most important thing a smoker can do to live a longer and healthier life. Quitting isn’t easy but 50 million ex-smokers in the United States are proof that it’s possible. Avoid exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke. As Alexander Woollcott said: “Today just might be the best day to start seriously thinking about quitting smoking …”

Change starts with empowering individuals, families and the health care community to prevent the disease, diagnose it early and treat it appropriately. If you know a respiratory therapist, thank them for your care!

Earl Moore

Spokane