News
Living Well With a Lung Condition
May 2006
Flu Shots Save Lives
by Heather Allan, Executive Director, Clinical Relations, The Australian Lung Foundation
A
s winter approaches, take
steps now to protect yourself
against dangerous respiratory
infections! Every year nearly 2,500
Australians aged 65 or over die
from either influenza (“flu”) or
pneumonia1. People with Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),
bronchiectasis and other chronic lung
diseases are particularly at risk.
An Australian study conducted in
1996 estimated that each year influenza
is responsible for over a million
medical consultations, 20,000-40,000
hospitalisations, 1.5 million days off
work each year, and a total economic
cost of about $600 million2.
The Australian Lung Foundation
urges people with chronic lung
conditions to get their flu shots now.
William Darbishire, Chief Executive
Officer of The Australian Lung
Foundation, says that it is one of the
most important things that those
burdened with lung disease can do
to protect themselves this winter.
According to Dr Heath Kelly, Head of
the Epidemiology Unit at the Victorian
Infectious Diseases Reference
Laboratory, vaccination has been shown
to be about 70% effective in protecting
against contracting influenza.
Flu vaccine can also reduce the number
of COPD attacks that people have
and help keep them out of hospital.
Protection starts about three weeks
from when the vaccination is given.
If you have COPD, a flu vaccine may
also protect you against other airway
infections caused by flu viruses.
Many people are eligible for free
influenza and pneumococcal
vaccinations through government
or health service programs.
This may vary from state to state,
so check with your doctor or
pharmacist to find out if you qualify.
References
1
AIHW GRIM Books 2004 (based on
pooled data from 1997 – 2002)
2
Mills, J. and Yapp, T. An economic evaluation
of three CSIRO manufacturing research
projects. 1996. Australia, CSIRO.
The Australian Lung
Foundation recommends
a few easy steps we can
all take to reduce the
spread of infection:
• Wash your hands regularly
•Cover your nose when
coughing and sneezing
•Keep your hands away from
your mouth and face
• Get vaccinated
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The LungNet is an initiative of The Australian Lung Foundation – Toll Free 1800 654 301
From the CEO’s Desk
Dear readers,
Welcome to the May 2006 edition of LungNet News. I hope
that you all had a pleasant Easter and enjoyed the Anzac
Day public holiday. Since I last wrote this column, The ALF
has once again been very busy!
In March, the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Thoracic
Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) took place
in Canberra. As well as setting up an information booth,
The ALF was involved in more than 14 meetings and events
during the meeting. We continued The ALF tradition of
making research awards available to young investigators,
encouraging clinicians to expand their knowledge in
respiratory medicine. This year we supported a record 15
awards, valued at over $350,000. In addition, we arranged
a successful Wine Tasting competition at the conference,
which raised more than $10,000. We hope that this
will assist us in forming a consultative group in a new
respiratory disease area.
The ALF National Council met in March and approved
the Annual Report and accounts for the year ended 31
December 2005. A copy of the 2005 Annual Report will be
posted on our website in due course.
In the last newsletter, I mentioned the inaugural Australian
Lung Cancer Conference to be held at Palm Cove in June
2006. As a result of increased sponsorship, we now have
four international speakers who have offered their services
for the conference.
Our work with the Clean Air Alliance has expanded, with
a visit from Mr Mark Maher, Executive Director of Vehicle
Integration for General Motors in the United States. I also
met with Professor Peter Andrews, Queensland Chief
Scientist who has endorsed our attempts to increase the
use of renewable fuels in Australia.
Planning is progressing for The ALF’s Queensland Corporate
Rugby 7s fund-raising event on 2nd June at Ballymore in
Brisbane. This is a great day of sport and provides the
opportunity for corporate networking. If you wish to enter a
team, please contact Stacey Hehir on 07 3357 6388.
In February, Ailsa Wilson and I visited Western Australia
for a series of meetings, culminating in the appointment
of Louise Ganderton as the new LungNet WA State
Coordinator. The annual LungNet State Coordinators
Conference will take place in Brisbane on 11th and 12th May
when we will bring the Coordinators together to discuss
how best to serve our LungNet community.
The Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) research
project commenced in February, with the first phase
launched in Sydney through our partners at the Woolcock
Institute. This epidemiological study will produce useful
information about the incidence of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the Sydney area. It is hoped
that this trial will be expanded to other parts of Australia,
subject to available funding.
Following The ALF’s activities in Canberra on World COPD
Day, we have now been invited to make submissions to
both The Backbench Committee on Health and Ageing and
the Senate Inquiry on Health. This is positive news, and we
hope that this will lead the government to consider COPD in
its 2007 budget.
We are pleased to announce a new addition to The ALF
Team with Karen Vanden Hoofdakker appointed as manager
of the Australasian Lung Trials Group (ALTG) and Respiratory
Infectious Diseases (RID) Consultative Group. We have
in the pipeline a Respiratory Infectious Diseases Case
Statement, which will be released as part of our Winter
Warning campaign.
Yours Aye
William Darbishire
Survey to help raise awareness of impact of COPD
Many of you will have received a copy of a Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) survey in the mail recently. The purpose
of the survey is to assist The Australian Lung Foundation gain a
better understanding of the impact COPD has on mental wellbeing.
The physical stresses of COPD are well understood and
documented. Less acknowledged, however, are some of the
other stresses experienced – isolation, guilt, depression.
The ALF wants to gain a better understanding of these
issues. This will help us structure our patient support
services and better equip us to speak with the government
about available support for people with COPD.
The results of the survey will also be used to raise awareness of the
seasonal problems experienced by people with COPD and the need
to protect against influenza and pneumococcal by vaccination.
We also hope to encourage those people who have struggled with
that “winter cough” to have their lungs checked out by their doctor.
Thank you to those hundreds of people who have filled out
the survey and returned it to us. Your support and efforts
are much appreciated. If you have not received a survey and
would like to, please contact The ALF at 1800 654 301.
Note: We apologise for the copy error on the survey that did
not provide the intended “No” box in Question 9 (“Are you, or
have you previously been a smoker?”) for those people with
COPD who have never smoked. Many people have called to
correctly point out that a lot of people with COPD have never
smoked. Please accept our apologies for the omission.
The LungNet is an initiative of The Australian Lung Foundation – Toll Free 1800 654 301
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LungNet and Lung Cancer
Patient Support
by Associate Professor Matthew Peters, Dept of Thoracic Medicine, Concord Hospital Concord NSW
We live in a society that greatly values youth, just as it is
ageing and is composed of many individuals who forgive
their own failings more easily than they do the perceived
failings of others. In this context, it is unsurprising that lung
cancer, generally seen in older patients who have been
smokers, is struggling for equitable access to the public and
medical agendas. Individuals with lung cancer are blamed
for their condition, feel shame as a consequence and lack
access to any effective support structure.
This should sound familiar? Fifteen years ago, every word
would have been true in relation to Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The rollout of pulmonary
rehabilitation programs that have served as a focus, and the
advent of LungNet have done much to improve the lives of
patients with COPD and their families and friends.
Lung cancer patients do not access current lung cancer help
lines. Although the commonest cause of cancer death, less
than 2% of calls are in relation to lung cancer. The cancer
charities are trying but have not been able to solve this
problem. The question is can we do better and, building on
its own history, can LungNet be part of this solution?
It would be broadly possible for members of local LungNet
groups to do some or all of the following:
• Agree that lung cancer is an area of need
• Recognise that lung cancer patients are similar to most
COPD patients in terms of age, background and life
experiences, and also are commonly current or past
smokers. Certainly, there are more similarities between
patients with lung cancer and COPD than lung cancer and
breast cancer patients
• Offer companionship and practical help such as with
transport to treatment, medical appointments or tests
and the more general mutual support that is a feature of
LungNet now.
At the very simplest level, it should be possible for all
patients who have had lung cancer surgery to take part in a
pulmonary rehabilitation program and from that to be active
in their local LungNet group – hopefully making a full return
to good health.
I understand that this might be a challenge and that some
could take the view that there is enough to do with COPD
itself. However, existing structures in Australia do not
support lung cancer patients at all well.
There is very little to lose.
QLD Researches Lung Cancer
Patient Support Services
by Ailsa Wilson, Project and Communications Officer, The Australian Lung Foundation
The Australian Lung Foundation embraces Matthew
Peters’ comments. We have long recognized that lung
cancer patients have been missing out on the support
that is available to other cancer patients, but I would like
to bring you all up to date with news of a project in which
The ALF is actively involved, and which aims to bridge
this service gap – the “LungNet Can Help Project”.
The ALF has, in the last year been working on the
development of a support programme that will strengthen the
capacity of local communities to enrich the lives of patients
and their carers affected by lung cancer. This has been
made possible by a seed funding grant that was received
in July 2005 from the Department of Health and Ageing.
Firstly, we will act as a bridge between patients and support
services. Research and analysis of available patient services
(Palliative Care Centres, Blue Care, social workers, or the local
Cancer Council) in rural and regional Queensland is currently
underway. The information will then be compiled, printed and
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distributed throughout Queensland with the aim of building
community awareness of the support presently at hand.
Secondly, the project will build on the LungNet infrastructure
and we envisage that a network of local lung cancer
support groups will spawn from established LungNet
groups. As this research and analysis is undertaken,
so The ALF’s awareness and knowledge of patients’ needs
will grow, and we expect to see not only the appearance
of lung cancer support groups, but also a growth in the
number of LungNet groups in all areas of Queensland. It
is intended that once the project is successfully bedded
down in Queensland, it will grow Australia wide.
Can I please ask for your support of this project? If you
know of anyone affected by lung cancer, or anyone who
might be interested in becoming a part of this project, in any
shape or form, please feel free to call me on 1800 654 301
or 07 3622 2355, even if it is just for a chat. If you can’t
breathe, nothing else matters…..so let’s help each other.
The LungNet is an initiative of The Australian Lung Foundation – Toll Free 1800 654 301
The Lighter Side
by Larry Emdur
Hi everyone,
I saw something the other day that just put a
huge smile on my face and it reminded me so
much of something Dad would’ve done.
We were in this huge Westfield shopping centre
in Bondi Junction in Sydney. It’s relatively new and
perfect for electric buggies and scooters with miles
and miles of polished concrete to slide around
on, and heaps of easily accessible coffee shops.
In fact one of the coffee shops had about four
buggies (and drivers) parked there. At a glance it
looked like an ad for “Buggies R Us”! Dad always
said it was kind of like his version of a theme
park. The little cafes and stalls in the middle of
the main passageways made for great chicanes.
It was sort of a Formula 1 track for buggies.
As we walked through I heard a few people
laughing and clapping behind me so I turned
around to see an elderly gentleman in an
electric three-wheeler, shopping bags hanging
from every possible hook or bar. He had a takeaway coffee in one hand and he was holding
his mobile phone to his ear with the other.
I’m still not sure how he was accelerating, let alone
driving. I think he had employed the old “accelerate,
sip, dial, turn, sip, talk, slow down, sip, turn, look,
sip, accelerate, talk, sip, sip, sip, hang-up” driving
method. It’s like double-d-clutching in the old cars.
Once you get the hang of it apparently it’s easy.
It could’ve easily been a segment on my old show
“The Very Best of the World’s Worst Drivers”!
Well it’s been a crazy couple of months for
me. I finished with “The Price is Right” on
Channel 9 and almost immediately started
with “Wheel of Fortune” on Channel 7.
I had real mixed emotions starting this show as it
was one of Dad’s favourites. It did however provide
him with one of his most embarrassing moments
as a father many years ago when I appeared on
“Wheel of Fortune” in one of their popular Celebrity
Challenge shows. Mum and Dad had alerted all
the family and friends and everyone settled down
to watch little Larry on Celebrity Wheel hosted
by Baby John Burgess. I was good at this show.
I’d regularly watch it at home and would always
solve the puzzle before the contestants on TV.
It’s always easier at home. I got into the studio
all pumped up, nervous as anything but very
excited. All of a sudden it’s my spin and my turn
to solve the puzzle. I’ll never forget it, it read:
“ST_IKE
WHILE
THE
I_ON’S HOT”
I struggled and struggled and ummm’d and ahhh’d
until the buzzer and the audience and Baby
John all burst into hysterical laughter. I knew if
the audience and the host were laughing then
the rest of Australia was laughing and my Mum
and Dad would’ve been so very embarrassed.
Understandably, I’m much happier
being a host than a contestant.
Take it easy and remember there’s
always a lighter side.
Larry Emdur
We look forward to receiving more
of your stories for the next issue of
LungNet News – without them we
wouldn’t be able to have a column.
Please share them with us and send to:
Larry Emdur
“The Lighter Side”
The Australian Lung Foundation
PO Box 847
LUTWYCHE QLD 4030
Fax: 07 3357 6988
Email:
The LungNet is an initiative of The Australian Lung Foundation – Toll Free 1800 654 301
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Antibiotics for Attacks or “Exacerbations” of
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
by Dr Ian Yang, Thoracic Physician, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane
What is an attack or
“exacerbation” of COPD?
studies, some of which were performed
decades ago. In general, the studies
show that antibiotics may provide some
benefit during an attack, at least in
some patients.
Some people with COPD may have an
attack or flare-up. This is when their
symptoms become worse than usual.
Health professionals often call this attack When should antibiotics be given
an “exacerbation”, because symptoms
in attacks of COPD?
are exacerbated, i.e. increased,
It is often difficult to be sure of what is
worsened or aggravated.
causing a particular attack. Antibiotics
The Australian Lung Foundation COPD
are effective against bacteria, so ideally
Action Plan lists the symptoms of a
antibiotics should be used when bacteria
moderate attack:
are suspected. A bacterial chest infection
is more likely when there is increased
• More wheezy or more breathless
amount of sputum produced and/or
• Increased cough and sputum
when there is a change of sputum colour
(phlegm or mucus)
to yellow, green or a darker colour.
• Change in colour of sputum
• Loss of appetite or sleep
Which antibiotics work in attacks
• Taking more reliever medication
of COPD?
than usual.
If the attack is thought to be due
What causes an attack of COPD? to bacterial chest infection, the treatment
guidelines recommend a course of antiChest infections due to bacteria cause
biotic tablets. Research studies show that
about half of all attacks. Other causes
include viruses, heart failure, pulmonary the antibiotics commonly prescribed by
doctors appear to have similar effectiveness
embolism (lung clot), pneumothorax
in attacks of COPD. These are the usual,
(lung collapse), change in medication
standard antibiotics that are known to
and possibly air pollution. In some
be effective against bacteria that cause
attacks, no cause can be identified.
chest infections. If a person with COPD
Do antibiotics work in attacks
has a particular type of bacteria, then the
of COPD?
antibiotic choice may need to be tailored
Research studies have compared
to that situation.
antibiotics against placebo (tablets
Does long-term prescription of
with no effect, which are used as
blanks in clinical trials). There has been antibiotics work in COPD?
much variability in the design of these
Research studies performed years ago,
before the emergence of antibiotic
resistance, suggested that long-term
antibiotics provide only a small benefit.
Therefore, antibiotics are not generally
recommended as long-term prevention.
Instead, if antibiotics are needed, they
are prescribed during an attack.
What other treatments are used
in attacks of COPD?
During an attack of COPD, extra reliever
medication is often needed. In some cases,
steroid tablets may be useful. People with
a severe attack require hospitalisation,
oxygen and other treatments.
What to do if you have COPD?
Have regular check-ups of your condition
with your doctor.
If you have an attack:
• Follow your COPD Action Plan that
you and your doctor have prepared,
including starting treatments
if necessary
• Notify your doctor and/or respiratory
health professionals early.
Take active steps to understand your
condition and keep well, as listed in the
COPD Action Plan.
Where possible, consider participating
in research studies being conducted to
improve our understanding about the
diagnosis and treatment of COPD.
The Australian Lung Foundation Launches Pulmonary Rehabilitation Toolkit On-Line:
www.pulmonaryrehab.com.au
by Heather Allan, Executive Director
– Clinical Relations
A new web-based tool is now available
for health professionals interested in
establishing a pulmonary rehabilitation
programme.
The Australian Lung Foundation,
in conjunction with The Australian
Physiotherapy Association, is delighted
to make available this valuable resource
“on-line” to facilitate the establishment of
pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in
metropolitan, regional and rural settings
throughout Australia.
Associate Professor Jennifer Alison, who
chaired the multi-disciplinary committee
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which drafted the material, said that
pulmonary rehabilitation has been
shown to be an important element in
the management of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD). “It can
have a significant effect in improving
exercise performance, breathlessness,
psychological wellbeing, and fatigue
in patients with COPD”, she said.
“However, one of the greatest barriers
to allowing patients access to pulmonary
rehabilitation has been availability of
programmes. We hope that this toolkit
will encourage the establishment of more
programmes, particularly in more rural settings.
The aim of the toolkit is to provide
evidence based information on current
best practice for the practical
management of patients referred
for pulmonary rehabilitation.
The toolkit includes sections on:
• Background
• Programme Funding
• Patient Assessment
• Exercise Training
• Programme Evaluation
• Education.
To access the toolkit, visit:
www.pulmonaryrehab.com.au
For information on pulmonary
rehabilitation programmes near you
call The Australian Lung Foundation
on 1800 654 301.
The LungNet is an initiative of The Australian Lung Foundation – Toll Free 1800 654 301
Dates
for the
Diary
Patient Support
14 June
–
16 Aug LungNet Sem
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30 Aug
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15 Nov
Darwin
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18/19 N ber – World minar Queen
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Book F
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Around Australia
ria
WA
We are delighted to announce the appointment of the
new WA LungNet State Coordinator, Louise Ganderton.
Louise is a physiotherapist employed by Royal Perth
Hospital. She has been responsible for coordinating
Pulmonary Rehabilitation services across the NorthEast Metropolitan Health Service for several years.
Louise is also the physiotherapist for the new COPD
Community Linkage Service – a multi-disciplinary
service designed to work collaboratively with General
Practitioners with the aim of improving the health of
people with COPD and optimising their management.
Through the Service, Louise has recently been
involved in setting up two new support groups
in the North East Metropolitan area (see below).
Louise looks forward to the challenges this role will
provide and is keen to increase awareness of COPD in
Western Australia and enhance the support networks
that are proven to be so beneficial for this population.
Before Louise had even considered the role of WA
LungNet State Coordinator, she was involved in
starting up two new Patient Support Groups, in the
suburbs of Guildford and Bentley. The Guildford
“COPD Support Group” had its first meeting on 1st
March and meets at Perth & Hills Division of General
Practice. Contact Bill Morris on 08 9377 0778 for further
details. The Bentley “COPD Support Group” had its
first meeting on 28th February at Canning Division of
General Practice, Bentley Community Hall. Contact
Mike Watteau on 08 9359 2025 for further details.
Next on the agenda for Louise is the organisation of the
WA LungNet Education Seminar planned for 14 June.
NT
Good news from Jenni Hibble is that there is interest
from four indigenous communities in the NT in starting
Patient Support Groups. Patient Support Group Start-up
kits have been sent to Port Keats (Wadeye), Oenpelli,
Belyuen & Gove (Nhulumbuy/Gove). In addition, Jenni
reports that there are two indigenous health workers
who are hoping to develop a LungNet support program
specific to indigenous people. Watch this space…!
NSW
Tweed Airways Limitation Support (Tweeds ALS) is
on the lookout for new members. They meet from
February to November at Tweed City Community Room
at 2pm on the last Thursday of the month. For more
information, contact Judy Murrells on 07 5506 7851.
Faye Sloan, Secretary of the “Wheezing Westies” (Mount
Druitt Pulmonary Rehabilitation Support Group) tells us
that the group has recently celebrated its first birthday.
They have had a successful inaugural year with regular
meetings, bus trips, luncheons and guest speakers.
New members are welcomed to their meetings at Rooty
Hill Senior Citizens Centre on the first Monday of each
month. Contact Christine Gleeson on 02 9832 9655
or Faye Sloan 02 9864 4229 for further details.
Following on from the success of 2005, Lissa Spencer
tells us that there will be another Bronchiectasis
Education Day in late May in the physiotherapy
gym at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. For more
details, contact Lissa on 02 9515 9857.
Jan Reynolds is hoping to start a Support Group on the
Woy Woy Peninsular and surrounding area. If anyone
is interested in being part of the group or would like
more information, please call Jan on 02 4344 2991.
VIC
Nan Albinski is busily planning for the 2nd Annual
ALF Book Fair and is once again looking for your preloved books and records. She is extremely grateful
to everyone who gave donations and their time and
energy to help with last year’s Fair. The day was
a great success and raised $4,000, which The ALF
has used to inaugurate the research group working
on Pulmonary Fibrosis and Interstitial Lung Disease.
Nan is extremely proud of this contribution, and is
hopeful this year’s event will be even more successful.
The 2006 Book Fair will be held on Saturday November
18 & Sunday 19 November from 10am to 5pm at the
Clarinda Presbyterian Church Hall, Eulinga Road,
Clarinda (Melway ref. map 78, J3). To aid fundraising
efforts, it is hoped that morning/afternoon teas will be
available, along with the sale of ALF Christmas cards.
As commercial storage will only be available from midSeptember, Nan would appreciate leaving the collection
of donations until September. In the meantime, she is
looking for volunteers in Melbourne to store items, so if
you have a spare garage, room or attic, perhaps she
could borrow the space. She has already secured two
depots on the Mornington Peninsula, and another in the
South East. For further information call Nan on
03 9570 3935. (This year, Reader’s Digest Condensed
Books cannot be accepted and only gardening,
needlework and home magazines are requested, please).
TAS
Virginia Cooper reports that Lungs In Poor Shape (LIPS)
is hoping to be involved in the establishment of two new
Patient Support Groups in Tasmania. The group was
recently awarded a State Government grant for $1,500
from Community Aid to give two areas the opportunity
The LungNet is an initiative of The Australian Lung Foundation – Toll Free 1800 654 301
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to start up new groups. Virginia is hopeful of establishing
groups in the Queenstown and Smithton areas. Introductory
meetings to assess the interest in a group will be held in
Queenstown on 17th May and Smithton (the date likely
to be in July has still to be confirmed). LIPS is currently
in the process of producing a leaflet to say who they are
and what they do. For more information, contact Virginia
Cooper on 03 6435 2152 or Alice Smith on 03 6442 4784.
QLD
Isabel Read at Fraser Coast Health Service District
Community & Allied Health Services has successfully
inaugurated the first LungNet Patient Support Group on the
Fraser Coast. The group had its start-up meeting on 27th
March, and will meet every other month at the Community
Health Centre in Neptune St, Maryborough. For more
information, contact Isabel Read on 07 4122 8733.
Many people with a respiratory condition often have allied
problems such as coping or depression, brought upon by
their condition. However, an organisation exists to help with
information and support for these conditions. Mental Health
Association (Qld) Inc. has branches in Wacol, the Gold Coast,
Ipswich, Bundaberg and Cairns, as well as representation
in each State. It provides a range of publications promoting
social and emotional well-being, a newsletter and quarterly
journal, and acts as a referral service connecting people
with facilities to meet their mental health needs. For more
information, call 1300 729 686 or 07 3271 5544.
SA
Paul Cafarella has given us the great news that a new
Patient Support Group is about to start up in Noarlunga.
Their inaugural meeting will take place on Friday May
26th at 11am at the Christies Beach Sailing Club Inc.
Club Rooms, The Esplanade, Christies Beach. All are
welcome. Car parking and wheelchair access are available.
For more information, contact Paul on 08 8275 1738.
LungNet Seminars –Good Value for All
by Cheryl Wright, LungNet Member, Victoria
I began attending LungNet seminars after
I was forced to give up my day job due
to a combination of bronchiectasis and
a major immune deficiency.
I initially attended purely for social
reasons (and the yummy lunch!), but it
quickly became evident there was loads of
information to be learned and absorbed.
The Victorian seminar held at Clayton RSL
Club in September 2005 surpassed all
expectations. When I saw the presentation,
“Your Breathing, Talking & Swallowing
Explained” by Mary Buttifant, Speech
Pathologist from Austin Health and Private
Practice on the seminar programme, I felt
I’d be wasting my time. How wrong I was!
This was one of the most informative
presentations I’ve ever attended.
Since becoming ill a few years ago,
I’ve carried out extensive research on
bronchiectasis. But nowhere did I find
information even remotely similar to that
received at this seminar.
Mary’s presentation revealed why I have
to constantly lubricate my lips, and why
I’m always sipping water. I learned that
continuously clearing the throat produces
way more mucus, and discovered that
many medicated lozenges (especially
those containing menthol or eucalyptus)
have a drying effect for people with
respiratory problems.
In addition to all this new information,
I also found out why I often cough or
gag when endeavouring to drain the
last dregs of a well-earned cup of tea
by tipping back my head.
I’ve suspected for quite some time
that people with respiratory conditions
are afflicted with reflux but until this
presentation was unable to confirm that
suspicion. Mary said that this issue with
reflux can also affect the voice, another
problem I’d suspected.
The link with respiratory conditions and
voice problems was extremely interesting.
I was interested to find out about the
problems that can be caused by small
particles of food working their way into
the lungs. Other items of interest were
also related to voice, such as the fact that
whispering can produce tightness in the
throat, which can in turn cause problems.
The other presentations at this seminar
were also extremely informative.
Although I don’t need oxygen at this
stage, the presentation on driving with
oxygen was very interesting, and will
certainly be very helpful down the track
if I need it.
And of course, Peter Holmes’ Q&A
sessions are always good value.
There is so much to learn about living
with a respiratory condition, and the
LungNet seminars are an excellent way to
get good quality, reliable information.
New Lung Cancer Leaflet
The Australian Lung Foundation in association with
The Cancer Council Australia and the Asbestos Disease
Society of Victoria Inc has recently produced a new leaflet
called “Answering your questions about Lung Cancer”.
The leaflet provides answers to some basic questions
about lung cancer, and provides some important contacts
that provide cancer support including The Cancer Council
Helpline (13 11 20). To order your copy call LungNet
on 1800 654 301.
Moving?
Don’t forget to let us know if you change address or telephone numbers to make sure that your newsletter goes with you.
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The LungNet is an initiative of The Australian Lung Foundation – Toll Free 1800 654 301
Sarcoidosis Support Group Update
June Brown who runs the Sarcoidosis
Support Group based in Victoria is
interested in hearing from people with
sarcoidosis to continue to build up the
network of support for people with
sarcoidosis across Australia. She is
interested in hearing from new patients
who are seeking support, and also
those who have previously contacted
her, to find out where they are and how
they are doing. June can be contacted
on 03 9802 1219. As the group is the
only one in existence in Australia for
people with sarcoidosis, the focus is
Update to COPDX
Guidelines
From their initial development in 2002, the COPDX
Guidelines have undergone considerable revision.
The latest version (version 2.5) has recently been
posted on the COPDX reference site, www.copdx.
org.au following approval from The Australian
Lung Foundation’s COPD Evaluation Committee
and Coordinating Committee in March 2006. Click
on the “COPD-X Guidelines” menu to access the
complete document. A supporting article was
published in the Medical Journal of Australia on
3rd April 2006.
About the
LungNet News
Publication dates 2006:
February, May, August and November.
Publisher and Editor:
The Australian Lung Foundation
PO Box 847, Lutwyche QLD 4030
Toll Free: 1800 654 301
Phone: 07 3357 6388
Fax: 07 3357 6988
Email: [email protected]
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 The Australian Lung Foundation.
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
Foundation Sponsors
in this newsletter. 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
Supporters
or otherwise without
written permission from
the publisher.
upon telephone support rather than
group meetings. June maintains lists of
people with sarcoidosis in all the States,
and can link patients who are situated
in the same area for mutual support.
HELP KYLIE SPREAD
THE WORD!
As you will read in the enclosed appeal, lung cancer kills more people
in Australia every year than any other cancer …yet it is the least
acknowledged and least funded of all cancers. It’s time for a change!
Kylie Johnston was just 27 when she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
She had never smoked in her life.
Kylie is one of the lucky ones. She is currently in remission…and about
to embark on a high profile adventure to help promote awareness
of this deadly – and often silent, cancer.
You can read Kylie’s inspirational story in the enclosed appeal…and
help this courageous young woman spread the word about lung
cancer by donating to our end of year appeal.
Your donation to The Australian Lung Foundation before
30 June will save you money on your tax return!
Because every gift to the Foundation of $2 and over is tax
deductible, your donation to our end-of-financial year appeal
could earn you a significant tax deduction. Check the handy guide*
below for an indication of how much you can save this financial
year from this donation alone.
Annual Taxable Income
$6,001–$21,600
Your Gift
$25
$21,601–$63,000
$63,001–$95,000
$95,001+
Your Tax Saving
$4.25
$7.50
$10.50
$11.75
$50
$8.50
$15.00
$21.00
$23.50
$100
$17.00
$30.00
$42.00
$47.00
$200
$34.00
$60.00
$84.00
$94.00
$250
$42.50
$75.00
$105.00
$117.50
$500
$85.00
$150.00
$210.00
$235.00
$1,000
$170.00
$300.00
$420.00
$470.00
$5,000
$850.00
$1,500.00
$2,100.00
$2,350.00
* F igures are approximations only. To determine your actual
tax deductibility, please consult your tax advisor.
REMEMBER, RUSH BACK YOUR DONATION WITH THE COUPON
IN THE ENCLOSED LETTER BEFORE 30 JUNE 2006 SO YOU
CAN CLAIM THIS GIFT ON YOUR UPCOMING TAX RETURN.
The LungNet is an initiative of The Australian Lung Foundation – Toll Free 1800 654 301
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