The British Lung Foundation and NHS Barking and Dagenham yesterday launched the ‘Love Your Lungs campaign’ to alert Barking and Dagenham residents to the symptoms of a common lung disease called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Showing their support on the day were Danny Green and Graeme Montgomery of Dagenham Redbridge FC, who both had their lungs tested and met with patients from the local Breathe Easy Support Group.
Also present was the Mayor Charles Fairbrass of Barking and Dagenham and his Mayoress Joan Fairbrass.The Mayor commented:
“It’s fantastic to see that the British Lung Foundation is offering these services throughout the borough. I wish the campaign the best of luck, and urge any residents with concerns about their breathing to come and get a free breathing test during November.”
Barking and Dagenham is being targeted after research by the charity showed that people in Barking and Dagenham are 55% more likely to be admitted to hospital with COPD than the UK average, making it the third hotspot in the UK[1] COPD is a term used to describe a number of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The BLF are keen to reach people who are unaware of the early symptoms, which include breathlessness and a persistent cough, often with phlegm. To help people identify symptoms and find out whether they have a problem, the ‘Love Your Lungs’ campaign will be running four events offering members of the public free lung function tests.The events will follow a telemarketing campaign aimed at helping people to identify symptoms and to promote general lung health awareness.
The following free lung function testing events are taking place in Barking and Dagenham:
- Thursday 5th November (10 - 4pm) – Asda, Merrielands Crescent, Dagenham RM9 6SJ
- Thursday 12th November (10 - 4pm)- Vicarage Fields Shopping Centre, Ripple Rd, Barking, IG11 8DQ
- Wednesday 18th November (10- 4pm) - Vicarage Fields Shopping Centre, Ripple Rd, Barking, IG11 8DQ
- Wednesday 25th November (10– 4pm) - Sainsbury's, 97-131 High Road, Chadwell Heath RM6 6PA
The lung function tests are quick and painless, taking around 10 minutes and simply involve blowing into a tube. Trained health professionals will be on hand to advise those having the tests. The events coincide with World COPD Day, which takes place on November 18th and is a major awareness day worldwide.
Since smokers are at greater risk of developing both COPD they are being urged to get tested even if they have no obvious symptoms. Smoking cessation advisors will be on hand to offer advice about giving up.
COPD leads to damaged airways in the lungs, causing them to become narrower and making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs. The word 'chronic' means that the problem is long-term.
Dr. Noemi Eiser, Honorary Medical Director for the British Lung Foundation, commented: “It is very important that people take advantage of the free lung function tests provided at these events.
“Barking and Dagenham has the highest proportion of people at risk of being admitted to hospital with COPD in London, and is the 3rd worst affected area in the UK
“Anyone who has been wheezy, breathless, or with a persistent cough should really come and get themselves checked.”
Stephen Langford, Chief Executive of NHS Barking and Dagenham commented: “We are delighted to be working with the British Lung Foundation on this campaign. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a major challenge in Barking and Dagenham, and people will really benefit from the advice and help they will receive on the event days.
“Residents of Barking and Dagenham are 55% more likely to be admitted to hospital with COPD than the UK average, so it’s a great opportunity for residents to check that their lungs are as healthy as possible.
“We would also recommend that anyone with concerns about their breathing or who is persistently coughing for more than 3 weeks speaks to their GP.”
For further information, visit lunguk.org or phone the helpline 08458 505020
For press enquiries , or contact James Lenney on 020 7688 5555
[1] British Lung Foundation ‘Invisible Lives’ report 2007
