NOVEMBER 2014
“Living Well With a Lung Condition”
Official Newsletter of Lung Foundation Australia
Flying High or Possibly Low on Oxygen?
Sharon Lagan BSc CRFS, Respiratory Scientist, Department of Pulmonary
Physiology & Sleep Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA
Dr Ivan Ling MBBS FRACP, Respiratory and Sleep Physician, Department of
Pulmonary Physiology & Sleep Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA
Flight has become an accepted
form of travel for so many of us
in Australia. If your lungs and
heart are in reasonable shape,
then the conditions within the
aircraft cabin are something
our bodies can deal with. However, if you have respiratory
or heart disease, the environment in a plane can pose a
potential problem.
oximeter to see how your body responds. Some labs may
also perform blood tests to ascertain the amount of oxygen
in your blood stream. If your oxygen levels fall too low during
this test, then supplementary oxygen can be added to see
if that helps to maintain a healthy SpO2. When completed,
the doctors overseeing the test will provide a recommendation
of whether additional oxygen will be of benefit to you in
flight. In some cases, doctors may recommend that a person
should not undertake air travel.
The concentration of oxygen that we breathe at sea level
is around 21%. Unless you were born at high altitudes (e.g.
the Sherpa near Everest), your body tends to work best with
this oxygen level. With altitude, the pressure (and effectively
the amount) of oxygen available in the air rapidly diminishes.
The human body could not survive at the heights that planes
travel at - between 9,000-12,000 metres (30-40,000 feet).
To overcome this, plane cabins are pressurised, making the
conditions around the same as standing at an altitude of
2,400m (approximately 8,000ft). This equates to
breathing an oxygen concentration of around 15%.
This is not ideal, but in response our hearts and lungs work
a bit harder to pump enough oxygen around our bodies to
allow us to happily wander around the cabin. Not all planes
are the same and the cabin pressure (and therefore the
available oxygen level) will alter over the course of the flight.
In addition, newer planes do not necessarily have better
cabin pressures, although commercial aircraft must adhere
to a minimum standard.
If supplementary oxygen is suggested, then that
is the time for you to spring into action and listed
below are a number of things you will need to do:
When measured using an oximeter, your oxygen levels (SpO2)
whilst on a flight are ideal if maintained above 90%. If you
have severe lung or heart disease then the additional work
to maintain adequate oxygen concentrations may put your
body under undue stress. At an SpO2 of significantly less
than 90%, things can get hard, particularly on long haul
flights when you will need to move from your seat. Mild
exercise may cause your oxygen levels to fall rapidly, leaving
you feeling unwell or extremely short of breath.
•
For those who need oxygen during air travel, there are options
to help you on your journey. If pre-arranged, some airlines
can provide supplementary oxygen. Some also let you take
your own oxygen concentrator on board, which can be very
useful if you think you may need supplementary oxygen at
the other end of your journey.
So how do you know how your body is going to
respond to these low oxygen levels?
Before undertaking a flight, it is a good idea to speak to
your doctor or specialist and if needed, they can arrange for
a High Altitude Simulation Test (HAST) to be performed
at a lung function laboratory. During this test, you will be
fitted with a mask and will breathe the same oxygen level
(approximately 15%) as you would during air travel. Your
oxygen saturation level (SpO2) will be monitored with an
• Contact your airline to find out their policy on flying
•
•
•
•
•
•
with oxygen. Some airlines e.g. some budget airlines will
not supply oxygen, nor allow you to take concentrators
on board.
There are forms available from each airline that will need
to be completed with the assistance of your referring
doctor. These forms must be submitted BEFORE travel.
Remember to ask about any additional charges involved.
Organise oxygen well in advance and follow up with
the airline before travel to make sure that everything
is in place.
Ask to be seated as close to the toilets as possible
to minimise the distance needed to walk there.
Take your own nasal prongs as well as spare batteries,
chargers and adaptors if using a concentrator.
Arrive at the airport early and allow extra time to clear
check points in case someone has a query about your
concentrator.
Remember, you cannot use the drop down oxygen masks
they talk about during the safety demonstration, as these
are strictly for emergencies.
Air travel and more importantly your destination can be fun,
but it is important to recognise that you might need a little
more assistance than you have previously. Before you book
a ticket for air travel, ask your doctor if he/she thinks you
may need additional oxygen inflight. Allow enough time
before travel to have a HAST test (there may be a wait
time for an appointment at lung function labs) and research
which airlines will accommodate your needs. When you
have the recommendation from your doctor, contact the
airline well in advance and follow up just before travel.
Lastly…don’t forget your passport and to have a great trip!
The second edition of our Home Oxygen booklet
(formerly “Getting Started on Home Oxygen”) will
be released in November. To learn more about Home
Oxygen order your copy by calling 1800 654 301
or purchase through our online shop.
LungNet is an initiative of Lung Foundation Australia | Toll Free 1800 654 301
LungNet News | November 2014 | www.lungfoundation.com.au
1
From the CEO’s Desk
Dear Readers,
As I pen this message on
5 September, the entire Lung
Foundation Australia staff are
thinking about November. As
most of you know, November
is Lung Health Awareness
Month. Traditionally, the Lung
Foundation has developed
programs to mark important
public health annual calendar
“days” in November, including
World COPD Day, Asbestos Awareness Week, Lung Cancer
Awareness Month and International Lung Cancer
Awareness Day.
Over the years, we have used November to encourage
those with symptoms of lung disease to complete our
Lung Health Checklist and see their doctor if they have any
concerns about their lung health. We have also worked to
remind those with a diagnosis of lung disease to take
advantage of the Lung Foundation’s information and support
programs to help them reduce the impact of their disease.
I think we have done a good job at this. Our November
activities attract support from thousands across the country,
whether it is to come out to a Shine a Light on Lung Cancer
event, to set up a COPD information booth in a local shopping
mall, to promote a risk assessment and screening program
in a local pharmacy or to speak to the local paper about
the importance of “checking in with your lungs”.
This year, we know that all these activities will continue
and will be well supported, and you will find further
information about each of these programs in this edition
of LungNet News. However, this November, things will be
a bit different. From November, the Lung Foundation will
not only be speaking to those with lung disease or those at
risk of lung disease as we will also be starting the
conversation with the wider community.
We know from a Galaxy Research poll conducted in January
of this year that over 50% of people rarely or never think
about their lungs. However, we also know from the same
survey that three out of five Australians report symptoms
of lung disease or exposure to risk factors of lung
disease. It seems people take breathing for granted.
So, we have been asking ourselves, how do we engage
with the wider community so that we all stop to think
about the preciousness of breath? How do we grab
community attention so that lung health is as much in
our thoughts as is our breast health or heart health?
In addition, how do we engage people in a way that is
positive and on an emotional level?
Over the past several months, Lung Foundation Australia
has been working with award-winning film director, Jason
van Genderen to do just that. Jason has won numerous
awards globally for a short film about his father, dying with
lung cancer (End the Unspoken). After lung cancer touched
him, Jason wanted to speak to all Australians to get them
thinking…to get them celebrating how precious the gift of
breath is. He had an idea…It’s not about lung disease. It’s
tangible. It’s every day. It’s positive. It’s about inspiring
lung health and highlighting the ordinary and
extraordinary ways people use their breath.
Imagine the power of what you can do…
with Just One Breath
What can YOU do?
On 1 November, the Lung Foundation will be holding its
Inaugural One Breath Gala Dinner in Sydney at the Maritime
Museum. Jason will be there to formally launch our Just One
Breath campaign and he will be supported by some familiar
faces to you all – some of whom you are just starting to
hear about. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, visit
www.lungfoundation.com.au/one-breath-gala-dinner, or
call 1800 654 301. Not only will you be part of an exciting
campaign launch, you will be helping the Lung Foundation
raise much needed funds to support our work.
We are confident that our Just One Breath campaign will help
raise the profile of lungs and lung health. As part of the
campaign, we will be asking people to film themselves
doing what they do best…with Just One Breath…and then
sharing it by sending in a photo, uploading a video, or just
telling us their story. So watch out for it and get involved.
Before signing off and wishing our LungNet community a
very Merry Christmas, I draw your attention to our traditional
Christmas Seals included with this newsletter. They are our
gift to you for the season. I take this opportunity to remind
you that we receive no ongoing funding from any government
and the work we do is supported by you through your
donations. So please remember us in your giving plans. We
also have Christmas cards available for purchase again this
year and you will find an order form enclosed with this
newsletter. As you will see, we have also added a 2015
calendar to our Christmas offerings.
I wish you and your families all the best for the
holiday season.
Heat
her Allan
Lung Foundation Australia has launched a new e-clinical update called Airwaves. This e-only update will be sent as
needed and is intended for our health professional and clinical readers. To sign up for future editions, please email
[email protected]. To read the first edition, visit lungfoundation.com.au/airwaves-clinical-update
2
LungNet is an initiative of Lung Foundation Australia | Toll Free 1800 654 301
LungNet News | November 2014 | www.lungfoundation.com.au
Staff News
Baby bottles and prams are becoming the talk of the
lunchroom at the Lung Foundation office in Brisbane. On
5 August, Project Manager – Chronic Lung Disease Support,
Melissa Ram and her husband, Ash welcomed into the world
their first baby, Noah Gabriel who tipped the scales at 8lb
3oz. Mel is currently enjoying motherhood and will return
from maternity leave in the New Year.
Information and Support Centre Coordinator and COPD-X
Executive Officer Juliet Brown and her husband Joe are
expecting the arrival of their long awaited first baby in
early October. Juliet commenced maternity leave on
19 September and will return around the middle of 2014.
We wish both families all the best as they embark on this
exciting new chapter in their lives.
In Juliet’s absence, we are delighted to welcome Tanya
Moir to the Information and Support Centre and we hope
she enjoys her time at the Lung Foundation.
Mel and Noah
Distance is No Barrier to
Gaining Knowledge
Tanya and Juliet
Have you ever wondered how many
people with chronic lung conditions
use dietary supplements like fish
oil, vitamin C or calcium? Or why
people might take these kinds of
supplements?
Researchers at the University of South Australia have been wondering
about this as well!
The 2011-12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS)
reported that 29% of Australians used dietary supplements (Australian
Bureau of Statistics, 20141), whereas an earlier survey of Australians aged
65 to 98 years found that 43% reported using some kind of supplement
(Brownie et al 20062).We are interested in finding out what kinds of
dietary supplements are used and why people with chronic lung conditions
might (or might not) use supplements.
Jeanette and Bert Part
After attending the Better Living with Your
Lung Disease Regional Patient Seminar in
Townsville in both 2013 and 2014, Jeanette
and Bert Part found themselves wanting
more. The Parts valued the knowledge and
understanding they had obtained at these
events so highly that they recently travelled
over 2,500kms to attend the Brisbane Patient
Education Day. Jeanette who has COPD, was
accompanied by her supportive and caring
husband Bert. They rose before dawn and
took the first flight to Brisbane returning
home after the event. Lung Foundation
Australia acknowledges Jeanette and Bert’s
commitment, as well as that of the many
others who travel long distances to attend
our events.
We have created a short survey for ANYONE WHO HAS A CHRONIC LUNG
CONDITION, regardless of whether they DO or DO NOT USE supplements.
The survey is voluntary and COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS, and will take
up to 15 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed via this link
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F8H8RFJ.
If you would prefer to complete the survey on paper or have additional
questions, please call 08 8302 1365 and leave your details. A survey
will be posted to you.
Results from this survey will be provided to Lung Foundation Australia
for publication in a future edition of LungNet News.
This study has ethics approval from the University of South Australia
(Protocol no. 33615).
References
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2014. Australian Health Survey: Nutrition First
Results - Foods and Nutrients, 2011-12, cat.no. 4364.0.55.007, ABS, Canberra
2. Brownie, S 2006, ‘Predictors of dietary and health supplement use in older
Australians’, Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 26-31.
Diary Dates 2014
Lung Health Awareness Month November
International Lung Cancer Awareness Day
17 November
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November
World COPD Day
19 November
Regional Patient Seminar, Mandurah
11 November
Asbestos Awareness Week
24-28 November
Regional Patient Seminar, Port Macquarie
12 November
LungNet is an initiative of Lung Foundation Australia | Toll Free 1800 654 301
LungNet News | November 2014 | www.lungfoundation.com.au
3
Am I Too Old to Stop Smoking?
Dr Christopher Worsnop MBBS BSc PhD FRACP FCCP, Respiratory and Sleep Physician, Austin Hospital,
Melbourne; Adjunct Associate Professor, RMIT University, Melbourne
Conflict of Interest: Registered Victorian Masters athlete
who gets out there and has fun!
Smokers are never too old to stop smoking. None of us is
ever too old to start doing something positive with our lives.
This includes people who smoke making a real effort to
finally get rid of the cigarettes and get the most out of
their lives by being as healthy as possible.
Most of us are familiar with the large number of nasty effects
that cigarettes can have on our bodies. As the smoke is
inhaled directly into the lungs, cigarette smoke has particularly
nasty effects on these delicate and very valuable organs.
One of these is lung cancer, another is emphysema, and
another is damage to the airways that take air in and out
of the lungs.
Emphysema means that there has been irreversible damage
to the air sacs that are critical in getting oxygen from the
air into the blood stream. If we look hard enough with lung
biopsies we can find some emphysema in all smokers. Smokers
also have damage to their airways – they become narrowed
and they produce much more phlegm. We call the emphysema
and narrowed airways COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease).
Lung Cancer
If cigarettes did not exist, lung cancer would be a rare
disease. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death
among males and females in Australia, with lung cancer
alone accounting for one in every five deaths due to cancer
(19%). Tobacco smoking is the largest single cause of lung
cancer; about 90% of lung cancer in males and 65% in
females is estimated to be a result of tobacco smoking.
While incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer have
decreased for men, they have increased for women over
Clear and simple
secretion management
the past 26 years. This can be attributed to their different
histories of tobacco smoking. As overall tobacco consumption
began to decline in males in the second half of the 20th
century, the incidence rate of lung cancer for males also
declined, with a time lag of about 20 years. Cigarette smoking
in women peaked later than in men, which may explain why
the lung cancer incidence rate for females is still rising.
(Cancer Australia. Report to the Nation – Lung Cancer 2011.
Cancer Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2011). In addition, evidence
shows that one third of heavy smokers will die from lung
cancer (Annals of Internal Medicine 2005; 142: 233).
The good news is that stopping smoking reduces the risk
of dying from lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer continues
to fall for months and years after you stop, so the sooner
you stop the better off you will be in the long run. My
advice is to hurry up and stop smoking now.
COPD
Some of you who are getting a little older may have noticed
that various bodily functions are declining. This includes
the lungs. Those of us who have never smoked and have
healthy lungs will have a gradual decline in lung function
as we get older, but this does not matter as we are built
with extra lung capacity so even older lungs do not slow us
down. It is the heart that slows us down as we get older.
However, those smokers who develop COPD lose lung
function at a much faster rate than normal. This can make
people with COPD get short of breath quite easily. As those
of you with COPD know, getting breathless is not much fun
and it can really limit what you are able to do in your lives.
The good news is that inhaled medications, regular exercise,
participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program and
stopping smoking can all reduce the breathlessness experienced
with COPD. The best of all of these treatments is stopping
smoking. In fact, giving up the cigarettes is the best way to
stop the lungs losing their function in COPD. This has been
known for nearly forty years, as Fletcher and Peto did a
famous study in Great Britain that showed that stopping
smoking helps COPD (Fletcher C, Peto R. BMJ 1977; 1:
1645—8). The Fletcher and Peto graph shows that even in
older people and people with severe COPD, stopping smoking
still works in preventing COPD from getting worse. You can
access a copy of the article at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.
gov/pmc/articles/PMC1607732/
The message is that it is never too late to stop smoking.
TheraPEP® can accommodate
virtually any lung capacity
and allows inhalation and
exhalation without removal
from the mouth.
“We don’t stop playing because
we grow old; we grow old
because we stop playing.”
So do yourself a favour, throw
away the smokes and get out
and have some fun.
TheraPEP®
Thinking of quiting?
To ensure that this device is suitable for you and you are trained
to use it correctly, please contact your health professional.
Your GP can guide you with what works best when it
comes to quiting.
For more information call
Only 3-5% of unaided quit attempts succeed. With
counselling, support and quit smoking medication,
your chance of success is increased to 25-30%
+61 2 9634 9200 or visit
www.smiths-medical.com
4
Call the quit line 13 78 48
LungNet is an initiative of Lung Foundation Australia | Toll Free 1800 654 301
LungNet News | November 2014 | www.lungfoundation.com.au
Lung Cancer Network Australia (formerly the
Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Network) Update
Kerrie Callaghan, Project Manager, Lung Cancer,
Lung Foundation Australia
New Lung Cancer Network Australia
website launched
pins, go to http://shop.lungfoundation.com.au/productcategory/promotional/
• Share your lung cancer story on the Lung Cancer Network
Readers may be aware that we officially launched Lung
Cancer Network Australia at the Australian Lung Cancer
Conference on 15 October. The new website is now up
and running and it can viewed by visiting
www.lungcancernetwork.com.au. Your feedback is
welcomed by emailing [email protected].
Australia website. Each month we will feature a new
consumer story. Please email your story (500 words) and
a photo image (optional) to [email protected].
• Make a donation to support our lung cancer programs
and initiatives at http://lungcancernetwork.com/donate/.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Shine your light on lung cancer
this November
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
and once again this year, we are supporting
“Shine a light on lung cancer” awareness
events around Australia. The aim of these
events is to bring together survivors, patients, their family
and friends, health professionals, clinicians and researchers
as one voice in support of more research funding and
earlier diagnosis of lung cancer. Lung cancer remains the
number one cancer killer in Australia and it can affect
anyone. You can register to host or attend a Shine a light
event by visiting our website: www.lungfoundation.com.au/
shinealightonlungcancer
If you’re unable to host or
attend a Shine a light event,
you can support us in other
ways this November:
Would you like to connect with other
lung cancer patients?
Our Lung Cancer Telephone Support Groups, held on the
first and the third Thursday of each month, are a convenient
way for patients to connect and support one another
without leaving their home. All you need is a quiet place
in your home to take the call and a reliable telephone
connection (land line or mobile).
These small groups (3-5 patients) are overseen by two
trained facilitators including a cancer nurse.
You will have the opportunity to speak with other lung cancer
patients and share information, support and experiences in
a safe and confidential environment. Call Lung Foundation
Australia’s Information and Support Centre free call on
1800 654 301 and ask for Kerrie if you would like to take
part in one of our telephone support groups.
For further information about any Lung Cancer Network
Australia initiative, please contact Kerrie Callaghan on
1800 654 301 or email [email protected].
• Wear our free lung cancer
awareness pin and give one
to a friend. To order your
Australian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Registry
Sacha Macansh, Project Manager, Australian IPF Registry, Lung Foundation Australia
participating in the Registry you are helping researchers around the world
understand more about this complex disease.
It has been an exciting year for the
Australian IPF Registry and more than
500 participants are now contributing
to this valuable resource. As the size
of the Registry grows so does its
profile and the interest in this
important initiative also increases.
Dr Tamera Corte, Chair of the Registry
Steering Committee was invited to
speak about the Registry at the
International Colloquium on Lung and
Airway Fibrosis (ICLAF) meeting in
September. The Registry research she
presented, Multidisciplinary Review of
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Patients: Review of clinical diagnosis
for patients referred to the Australian
IPF Registry, highlighted the review
process undertaken of patients referred
to the Registry. Two other Registry
studies were also presented at this
forum as posters. They highlighted
information about the progression
of IPF in Australian patients, and the
possible role of environmental and
occupational exposures in IPF. By
If you have Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis you too can help, please ask your
respiratory physician about the Registry during your next visit.
Health care providers, please contact the Registry Coordinator in your State to
inform them of your IPF patients who are interested in joining the Registry. To
find the Coordinator in your State, please call Sacha Macansh on 02 9515 3996
or email [email protected] or visit the Lung Foundation website.
IPF Clinical Drug Trials in Australia
Apart from creating a unique research platform the Australian IPF Registry
also aims to improve recruitment to clinical trials of possible IPF medications.
A number of clinical trials are currently being or have recently been undertaken
in Australia (Table 1).
Study
Therapeutic
agent
Company
Trial
Phase
Progress
ASCEND
Pirfenidone
InterMune
Phase III
Recruitment complete
BIBF 1120
Nintedanib
Boehringer
Ingelheim
Phase III
Recruitment complete
NCT01629667 Tralokinumab
MedImmune
Phase II
Ongoing recruitment
NCT01769196 Simtuzumab
Gilead
Phase II
Ongoing recruitment
NCT01872689 Lebrikizumab
Roche
Phase II
Recruiting now
RISE-IIP
Bayer
Phase II
Recruiting now
Riociguat
Table 1: Clinical drug trials for IPF in Australia.
For further information on these trials, please speak to your respiratory physician.
LungNet is an initiative of Lung Foundation Australia | Toll Free 1800 654 301
LungNet News | November 2014 | www.lungfoundation.com.au
5
Australian COPD Patient Advocate Group Report (CPAG)
Ross Lloyd, Chair
Hello readers and welcome to my
second article as Chair of CPAG. During
the last quarter, CPAG members have
met regularly by teleconference and
the Group is pleased to be able to
contribute to the work being carried
out by Lung Foundation Australia’s
COPD national program.
An ongoing area of interest for CPAG is advocacy for the
uninterrupted supply of electricity to those who rely on
life-saving medical equipment such as home oxygen
concentrators. We are pleased to hear of the work that
the Lung Foundation has recently undertaken with a NSW
electricity supplier to help educate their staff to understand
the implications for people on life-support equipment if the
power supply is interrupted. When the power goes out,
it is vital for the electricity provider to have a good
communication strategy with the consumer, as well as to
ensure the restoration of the supply as soon as possible. The
work Endeavour Energy has undertaken in collaboration with
the Lung Foundation is to be applauded and it is hoped that
other electricity companies will follow this example and seek
the Lung Foundation’s advice on how to help customers who
rely on life-saving medical equipment. On another note, it is
important to emphasise that if you rely on essential medical
equipment, you need to be prepared for a possible power
outage by having a plan of action.
For those who require supplementary oxygen, travelling
or even just leaving the home to do the shopping can be a
challenge. Information and tips for travelling with oxygen are
extremely helpful and the Lung Foundation is in the process
of building a webpage which will provide useful information
on this topic. The Lung Foundation has previously published
a brochure and a booklet about home oxygen therapy and
the new web-based resource will be a useful addition to this
suite. This resource is available online
at lungfoundation.com.au/patientarea/resources/getting-started-onhome-oxygen/.
CPAG is excited about the progress
being made by the Lung Foundation
on the development of the COPD
Online Patient Education program
and has provided feedback on the
first two modules.
Air pollution is another area CPAG
has vowed to raise awareness of.
A recent Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) “I finished!” A photo
taken just after crossing
report released in May 2014 stated
the finish line of the
that between 2005 and 2010, deaths
Bridge to Brisbane
in Australia from air pollution rose
from 882 to 1,483, a staggering 68%
increase1. This report has increased our resolve to
investigate what can be done to improve this situation.
On a final note, you may be interested to know that thanks to
my miracle double lung transplant in 2013, I achieved a major
milestone in September and ran the 10km Bridge to Brisbane
fun run in a time of 1 hour 30 minutes and 5 seconds.
I hope that you have found this report interesting. CPAG
welcomes any feedback from members of Lung Foundation
Australia in relation to patient advocacy for COPD sufferers.
Until next time
Ross
Reference
1. OECD (2014). The Cost of Air Pollution: Health Impacts of Road
Transport, OECD Publishing. DOI: 10.1787/9789264210448-e. Table
2.13 Economic cost of deaths from ambient air pollution in OECD
countries in 2005 and 2010. http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-AssetManagement/oecd/environment/the-cost-of-air-pollution/economiccost-of-deaths-from-ambient-air-pollution-in-oecd-countries-in-2005and-2010_9789264210448-table4-en#page1
World COPD Day: Wednesday 19 November
Wednesday 19 November is
World COPD Day and once again
this year, Lung Foundation
Australia is raising awareness
of the prevalence and impact of
COPD. One in seven Australians
40 years or older has COPD and half of those who have
progressed to a stage where they are experiencing symptoms
will not know that they have it 1 2. COPD is an umbrella
term for a lung disease that includes emphysema, chronic
bronchitis and chronic asthma that’s not fully reversible.
Symptoms tend to creep up gradually so finding COPD early
gives the best chance to slow down lung deterioration and
start improving wellbeing. If you are 35 years or older and
have a history of smoking or had occupational exposure to
dust, gas and/or fumes and you have a persistent cough
with or without phlegm, or are more breathless than others
your age, we recommend you speak to your health professional
for a lung screening test. While there is no cure for COPD,
there is strong medical evidence to show that early diagnosis,
combined with self-management strategies (including
pulmonary rehabilitation) at the early stages of the disease
can reduce the burden of COPD3. The impact of COPD on
patients and their families can be significant. Pulmonary
rehabilitation can help improve quality of life and reduce
the impact of symptoms so that people find it easier to do
basic daily activities like showering or making a cup of tea.
Lung Foundation Australia maintains a database of programs,
so please call us on 1800 654 301 (free call) if you would
like details of the program nearest you.
6
You can participate in a World COPD Day event and help
us raise awareness of COPD by doing one of the following
activities:
• If you have not already been diagnosed with a
•
•
•
•
lung condition, undertake a lung health check by
speaking with your GP or participating pharmacist
or completing the online Lung Health Checklist at:
www.lungfoundation.com.au/checklist
Have your inhaler device technique checked by
your GP or at a participating pharmacy
Join in a “Walk for COPD”
Send one of our pre-prepared media releases
to your local newspaper/radio station
Put one of our pre-prepared articles in your local group
newsletter and send us a copy so we can see it too!
To find events near you, and to download our media packs,
visit http://worldcopdday.lungfoundation.com.au/ or to
find out more about COPD phone free call 1800 654 301.
References
1. Toelle B, Xuan W, Bird T, Abramson M, Atkinson D, Burton D, James
A, Jenkins C, Johns D, Maguire G, Musk A, Walters E, Wood-Baker
R, Hunter M, Graham B, Southwell P, Vollmer W, Buist A, Marks G.
Respiratory symptoms and illness in older Australians: The Burden of
Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study.Med J Aust 2013; 198:144-8
2. Xuan W, Toelle B, Bird T, Abramson M, Graham B, James A, Johns D,
Maguire G, Wood-Baker R, Marks G. Respiratory Symptoms and illness
in older Australians: The Burdon of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD)
study. Med J Aust 2013; 198(3):144-148
3. AIHW 2012. Australia’s health 2012. Australia’s health no. 13. Cat.
no. AUS 156. Canberra: AIHW
LungNet is an initiative of Lung Foundation Australia | Toll Free 1800 654 301
LungNet News | November 2014 | www.lungfoundation.com.au
ASX Thomson Reuters Art Union 2014/15
It is Art Union time again and amazing prizes are up for grabs
in the 2014/15 ASX Thomson Reuters Charity Foundation Art
Union. This year, the preferred method of purchasing tickets
is via our website www.lungfoundation.com.au/art-union.
However, if you do not have internet access, please call us
free call on 1800 654 301. Funds raised this year will support
Lung Foundation Australia’s Information and Support Centre.
The Centre provides invaluable assistance to enquirers,
providing lung health information via the free call number and
distributing lung health resources to patients, carers, families
and health professionals.
The draw closes on Wednesday 25 February 2015 and
will be drawn on Wednesday 11 March.
Prizes
• First Prize: Lexus CT200h Luxury, valued at $45,839
• Second Prize: Autore South Sea Pearl, diamond
and white gold pendant, valued at $13,500
• Third Prize: Captain Cook Murray River 3 night
cruise for two people, valued at $3,080
Ticket Prices
• 1 for $20
• 8 for $100
• 3 for $50
• 50 for $500
Don’t miss out on your chance to win!
You can buy your tickets online at: http://www.lungfoundation.com.au/art-union.
Lungs in Action Latest News: Hornsby Lungs
in Action Maintains “Healthy Lifestyles”
Emma Gainer, Program Manager, Pulmonary Rehabilitation
and Lungs in Action, Lung Foundation Australia
in Action classes across four sites - Hornsby, Manly, Ryde,
and St Leonards. There is currently a drive to increase
participation in Hornsby, so if you live in this area and are
interested in attending this Lungs in Action class please call
Healthy Lifestyle on 02 8877 5300. For further information
about Healthy Lifestyle, you can also visit their website at:
www.nshealthpromotion.com.au.
Participants of the Healthy Lifestyle Lungs in Action program in Hornsby
It’s often the little things that we take for granted. For the
majority of us gardening, housework or going for a walk
are tasks we do on a regular basis with minimal effort or
thought. However, for those living with a chronic lung
condition, these everyday tasks can be challenging and
therefore valued greatly. Lung Foundation Australia recently
gained insight from a number of the participants of Healthy
Lifestyle’s Lungs in Action program in Hornsby about what
they value most about attending the weekly classes.
Lungs in Action is now run in over 60 locations throughout
Australia. For more information, or to locate your closest
program, please visit www.lungsinaction.com.au or call
Lung Foundation’s Information and Support Centre free
call on 1800 654 301.
By maintaining regular exercise at Lungs in Action, Jill reported
that the classes have enabled her to continue to play golf
and more recently she has noticed her strength when lifting
pots in the garden has improved, making gardening easier
and more enjoyable.
Paul has new-found confidence and reported that he was
previously “afraid to do anything” but now finds himself
doing the exercises in his own time.
These days, Trish is able to regularly get up and go for a walk
without being as breathless.
Experience Golden Door’s world-class program!
Tradesman, Richard said he recently took part in building
a deck at home which is something he may not have been
able to do without keeping up his regular exercise.
Whether it is having the confidence to walk up the stairs,
attending your grandchild’s graduation ceremony, having the
balance to check your tyre pressure and oil, or any of the
other outcomes that the Hornsby Lungs in Action participants
have shared, keeping active after pulmonary rehabilitation
is an important part of maintaining a good quality of life
if you have a chronic lung condition.
In November join Brad Thompson, Feldenkrais
Practitioner, for his renowned Specialty Retreat
and....
Brad Thompson
Healthy Lifestyle is a physical activity program for adults,
which has been run across the Northern Sydney area for
over 30 years. A part of Health Promotion (NSW Ministry
of Health), the program works closely with the hospital
pulmonary rehabilitation teams and offers seven Lungs
Intelligent Body
Improve breathing and posture
Gain greater comfort and flexibility
Learn ongoing practice for energy and vitality
Develop mindfulness and meditation
techniques for deep relaxation
3 Day Workshop beginning November 25 -27,
book your stay this spring & save 20% off!
LungNet is an initiative of Lung Foundation Australia | Toll Free 1800 654 301
LungNet News | November 2014 | www.lungfoundation.com.au
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1800 212 011 | goldendoor.com.au
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Farewell to Lung Foundation Friends
Hilary Mulcahy
Hilary Mulcahy
Lung Foundation Australia’s staff and
volunteers are deeply saddened by the
passing of Hilary Mulcahy on 15 August.
Hilary was a long-standing member of
the LungNet News volunteer newsletter
team and spent many hours labelling
and packaging the newsletter. Hilary’s
outgoing personality and ability to chat
about any subject made her a popular
member of the team and we were always
pleased to see her in the office. She would
delight in telling stories about the many
adventures she experienced on her
overseas trips with family and friends. We
express our gratitude for her long-standing
commitment and will truly miss her.
Cliff Willmett
Tribute submitted by the Wilston Windbags Patient
Support Group, Brisbane
On 11 March, the Wilston Windbags lost our great Secretary and
most dear friend and foundation member, Cliff Willmett. In his
quiet and efficient way, Cliff was a driving force in the development
and nurturing of the thriving Support Group that the Wilston
Windbags is today. Cliff was resourceful, caring, observant, and
a true gentleman.
Cliff was born in South Australia and grew up in Goolwa, 100km
south of Adelaide. His career as a Town Planner eventually brought
him and his family to Brisbane where he worked for the city
council and the Department of Natural Resources.
About the LungNet News
Cliff loved holidaying with his wife Lynn and family and
particularly he delighted in ocean cruising. Cliff had COPD
and battled with his illness in a dignified and courageous
manner and he is missed by us all. Thank you Cliff for
your legacy, you were a very special person and we are
all honoured to have known you.
Bill Morris
Tribute submitted by the LIFE Patient Support
Group, Perth
Bill Morris was the founder and leader of the respiratory
support group, Altone Improvers in Beechboro, Perth.
Bill had lived with COPD for a number of years, but was
diagnosed earlier this year with an aggressive form of
Motor Neurone Disease and he died on 29 July. He was
a caring and committed leader who went the extra mile
to provide support to his fellow group members, regularly
ringing them to check on their wellbeing and hosting meals
at his home. Welsh by birth, he and his family migrated
to Australia many years ago. He rarely felt the cold,
trotting around in shorts and T-shirt, even in winter. LIFE
extends their condolences to Bill’s family and the members
of Altone Improvers who will miss his larger than life
personality.
Lung Foundation Partner
Acknowledgements
Publication dates:
February, May, August and November
Foundation Partners
Publisher and Editor:
Lung Foundation Australia
PO Box 1949, Milton QLD 4064
Toll Free: 1800 654 301
Phone: 07 3251 3600 Fax: 07 3368 3564
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lungfoundation.com.au
Principal Partners
Please note: Lung Foundation Australia and/or its partners/agents may
contact you occasionally regarding educational opportunities, research,
events, fundraising, promotions and special offers. If you do not wish
to receive this additional contact, please call 1800 654 301, or email
[email protected] stating that you only wish to receive
our quarterly LungNet News (this will include any associated material
mailed with the newsletter).
Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is submitted
from many different sources. The views expressed herein are not
necessarily those of the editor or Lung Foundation Australia. Medical
information contained in this publication is intended to be used as a
guide only, and not as an authoritative statement. Please consult your
doctor if you have questions relating to medical information contained in
this newsletter. The inclusion of advertising in this newsletter does not
constitute specific endorsement of these products or services by Lung
Foundation Australia. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
by means of electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without
written permission from the publisher.
8
Professionally, Cliff was known for his calm, methodical
and practical nature. He was also a great networker – he
always knew someone, or someone who knew someone –
and he brought those qualities to the Wilston Windbags.
The contacts from a successful career and his community
work were creatively used by Cliff in securing sponsorships
and organising activities for the Windbags.
Supporting/Project Partners
Corporate Partners
LungNet is an initiative of Lung Foundation Australia | Toll Free 1800 654 301
LungNet News | November 2014 | www.lungfoundation.com.au