Serious lung disease is 4th leading killer in U.S.
Amery Regional Medical Center is joining the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI’s) COPD Learn More Breathe Better campaign in observing COPD Awareness Month in November. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and is expected to be the third leading cause of death by 2020.
NHLBI launched the COPD Learn More Breathe Better campaign in January of 2007 to promote awareness of COPD, to educate Americans about its risk factors, and to encourage early diagnosis. COPD is most often characterized by shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Those over the age of 40 with a history of smoking are particularly at risk, however 1 in 6 people with COPD have never smoked.
“There are 12 million Americans diagnosed with COPD, and we estimate that another 12 million people have the disease and don’t even know it,” says James Kiley, PhD., Director, Division of Lung Diseases, NHLBI. “COPD Awareness Month is a great opportunity for advocates and health care professionals to educate the public and their patients about the disease.”
In honor of COPD Awareness Month, information will be in the clinic waiting rooms at ARMC, Clear Lake Clinic, Luck Medical Clinic, and Turtle Lake Medical Clinic. Please feel free to take this educational literature home or share with a friend or family member.
For more information about COPD Awareness Month activities taking place across the country and to learn more about the COPD Learn More Breathe Better campaign, visit www.LearnAboutCOPD.org.
Amery Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is a non-profit healthcare organization dedicated to providing quality healthcare since 1956. The Medical Center’s focus and mission is to be the local communities’ choice for healthcare throughout the patients’ lifetime by continually offering more services, advanced technology, and compassionate care. Newly built in 2007, ARMC is a place of solace; a healing, caring environment with rain gardens, a green roof, and a community walking path along the Apple River. From Family Medicine to Specialty Care to Same Day Surgery, ARMC offers a wide variety of healthcare services along with cutting-edge technology, like in-house MRI’s, PET/CT scans, and digital mammography. ARMC Emergency Services are open 24 hours day, seven days a week. Urgent Care is available at the Medical Center seven days a week and walk-ins are welcomed. Amery Regional Medical Center has additional medical clinics strategically located within their service area including Clear Lake, Luck, and Turtle Lake Wisconsin. |