01 Apr PERF Monthly Newsletter – March 2016
MARCH
2016
Here is a roundup of the articles, news & updates that we've published on the PERF blog site during the past month. Click on the "Read More" link at the bottom of each excerpt to read the full article.
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It Could Be Pneumonia, Not A Cold
For people with chronic lung problems, including COPD sufferers, pneumonia can quickly become life-threatening. Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, and these sacs may fill with fluid or pus. Several organisms can cause pneumonia, including viruses, bacteria, and even fungi.
If you seem to be developing what seems like a common cold, pay attention to these signs that you could actually have pneumonia:
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Next Week is National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week
National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week honors the pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) profession by drawing attention to the role of PR in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with lung disease. National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week occurs this year from March 13 to 19.
For those in the medical profession, now is a good time to thank your team members for their contributions, and share with them valuable educational resources to further their professional development.
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March 24 Is World Tuberculosis Day
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs. One organization putting forth a unique public education effort to raise awareness of this disease that remains an epidemic on our planet, is the Stop TB Partnership, which has published a compendium of survivor stories featuring the personal journeys of 15 individuals who contracted TB and, unlike many, were able to recover from the disease. TB Journeys: Our stories, Our Words is a poignant look at this journey of resilience and strength.
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We’ve Gained Some Ground In The War Against COPD
COPD is a serious public health problem in the United States, and is the third leading cause of death. Falling under the umbrella of COPD are chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and small airways disease, which is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the mucosae of the airways, weakening or destruction of alveolar walls, and excess mucus production. The overall effect of these conditions is airflow limitation, especially on expiration, and the symptoms are progressive for most COPD sufferers.
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Many With COPD Don’t Even Know That They Have It
Recently Alex Franco, an intern with BREATHELA, wrote of his experience working with the Better Breathers’ Club (BBC) and O24U programs, whose mission is to promote respiratory health and awareness throughout Los Angeles. Alex was surprised at how many people don’t know that they have COPD, even though they have symptoms. Says Alex, “Some attendees would say, ‘I just have chronic bronchitis, not COPD.’ Others noted that they did not even know whether or not they had the disease. I was surprised to learn that most people did not consider their respective respiratory problems to be attributed to COPD.”
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Please Donate to PERF and Help Keep Our Programs and Research Going
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