Letters to the Editor

COPD Awareness Month is almost here. NOW is the time for all of us to write to our local media (newspapers, magazines, radio, TV) and get the word out - everywhere. Compose your own letter(s), or use one or more of the four sample letters here. To get the contact email addresses for the media in your area, just enter your Zip code (or click on your State) at http://www.usnpl.com/ or at http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/

Please let us know when you write, and if you are not published within three or four days or otherwise acknowledged, then write again. And when you are published, send us the link or a clipping – we will post it on the EFFORTS website.

Physicians Urged to Test for Lung Disease

COPD, a term for lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, can happen to anyone. The most common cause is from smoking, of course, but also from second hand smoke, toxic chemicals that many have exposed to at one time or another at work or at home, and possibly from one’s genetic makeup. Whatever the underlying cause, COPD is now the fourth largest killer of United States citizens. It is also the second-greatest cause of disability.

No one really knows why some people get COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and others don't - even when circumstance and surroundings seem similar. A lot more research is needed. Although anywhere from 12 million to 24 million people in the US may have COPD, many remain undiagnosed until their breathing is so bad and their lungs so damaged that the only hope is a scarce lung transplant.

As a sufferer of this devastating illness, I am urging our medical professionals to begin including a routine spirometry test when giving physicals and at health fairs. I also urge anyone who may be at risk for this disease to ask for that test – even if they seem to have no symptoms now. This quick, painless test only takes a few minutes and can be the key to starting steps to minimize further decline.

Much valuable information about this disease can be found at the EFFORTS (Emphysema Foundation for Our Right to Survive) website. If you would like to learn more about preventing this disease, or about living with it if you already have it, please visit the website at http://www.emphysema.net/bindex.html There is no obligation of membership.

Thank you for you time.

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

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COPD Awareness Can Save Lives

An invisible killer is in our midst. It’s called COPD. You may not recognize the name COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - even though it is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and growing so rapidly that it may become the third leading cause by 2020.

You ask what is COPD? It is an umbrella term that encompasses commonly known diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is a chronic, progressive disease, which causes the lung’s airways and alveoli to lose their elasticity and the airway walls to collapse, seriously hindering breathing and disabling those afflicted. Those most at risk for COPD are smokers, people exposed to air pollution or second-hand smoke, and those with a family history of COPD. COPD can be hereditary so even if you have never smoked, you may be at risk.

November has been proclaimed COPD Awareness Month and many health care centers will be paying special attention to COPD this month. If you are in the at-risk group, please attend any educational event about COPD this month. Check with your local hospital and health care professionals to see what may be available. Ask your family doctor to test you for it. If you don’t ask, COPD may not be diagnosed until you have serious symptoms, at which time you may have already lost 50% of your lung capacity. The test is simple, painless and very quick. Many physician offices have equipment to test you – it takes just a few minutes. If you are a smoker, decide now to quit ~ prevention is much less expensive than treatment and there is no cure at this time.

Want more information about COPD? I and 2500 other members of EFFORTS - an on-line support and advocacy group – can help provide it. Please visit our website at http://www.emphysema.net

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

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What is COPD? Too few people can answer that question, yet COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is now the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. With the advancement of scientific knowledge, it is no longer simply considered an "old peoples' disease". COPD is chronic, progressive, and terminal now affecting even people in their 30s. Are you surprised with that bit of information? With the many pollution exposures at younger ages, the at risk group has expanded ~ noticeably among those with parents who smoke.

People particularly at risk are long-term smokers; people exposed to a wide variety of air pollution, second-hand smoke, and people with a family history of COPD. It has been discovered there is a genetic cause for some COPD. If you are one of those potentially at risk for COPD, please ask your family doctor to test you for it - it's quick, easy, and painless. Those who think “it won’t happen to me” and wait for symptoms to show may have already lost half their lung capacity. No doubt, if you are a smoker, QUIT!

More information about COPD can be found on the Internet at http://www.emphysema.net/bindex.html If you already have COPD or emphysema, go to the same web address and join EFFORTS, a 2500+ member support group helping each other function as well as possible within the disease limits. You are under no obligation to join to review the information. Maybe I will encounter you there.

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

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COPD (short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) consists of emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is the ONLY major cause of death on the increase. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that this will be the third leading cause of death in the US and worldwide by 2020. Think about that ~ a very, very few years from today.



COPD is largely preventable, easily detected and at least partly treatable if detected early. Why then does this problem continue to exist and grow? It has been a closet disease ~ and it’s high time it came out of the closet! Prevention and early detection depend on widespread public awareness – and that is sorely lacking. Ignoring early symptoms is a major concern and can have long term disastrous effects on individual health.



If you are at risk for COPD – a family history of lung disease, a long-term smoker, or exposed to air pollution, second-hand smoke, or toxic chemicals at work – make the effort to get tested. November is a great month for lung awareness. You will be among family and friends through the holiday season. Pass the word ~ encourage them to be tested as well. Do the testing even though you may have no noticeable symptoms ~ yet. The test is quick, painless, and can be done in your family doctor’s office. Just blow hard in a tube for six seconds – that’s all there is to it. And it just might be the best six-second investment you ever made.



Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts. I have COPD and I just don’t want you to have it, too. More information can be found on line absolutely without obligation at http://www.emphysema.net/bindex.html

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

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Updated 09/01/2009
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