November is World COPD Awareness Month.
November 20th is World COPD Day this year.
Let's face it. We don't have a "glamorous disease." We don't have major world fund raising benefits; you know... the kind you see on television to help farmers or victims of catastrohic events. We're not, on the large scale of things (internationally) and as far as patients go, people "truly" coming together in a real push, real world effort. Often we leave it up to others and in other cases the International "coalitions" aren't really.... international.
We're not AIDS, we're not Mental Health, we're not Cancer, Diabetes or Heart Disease though many of us have some of those components.
We have a "dirty disease." An "incurable" disese. It's easier for others to cross the street metaphorically speaking when they see us. Especially if we do it ourselves.
And; because of our own sense of "guilt" or "surrender" we drop our heads and except in our own little COPD worlds, we remain quiet in many cases.
Please,
please.
Don't do that.
NOTHING ever changes unless change is expected, and demanded.
Are you a "closet" COPD'er? You know; you've been diagnosed but haven't come clean yet? There's many so; you're not alone. And; I'll bet you're misinformed about a lot of things. Maybe you have only told family or close friends. Why?
Do you have a friend or family member that needs "gentle" encouragement (NOT guilt) to get tested for COPD? You'd be doing them a loving, maybe life saving favour if they did get checked and started treatment earlier. Hey; you know many of the symptoms after all.
Maybe you're in the early stages and have trouble relating to those further along becasue "right now" you're doing O.K. with it right? Well; all I can say is uh-huh.... and smile. And it's not like the commercials you see on TV where your life miraculously changes becasue of Spiriva or Symbicort. It might for now but; keep in mind you do have a "progressive" disease.
Today; right now.....you/we; are here. You must be; you're reding this.
You KNOW how to use a keyboard. You KNOW how to access the internet. You KNOW you can use your voice still; even if it's through your fingers. You CAN have a voice. You CAN make a difference.
There's still a week until the 20th; World COPD Day. Is there any reason why you can't, at the very least, write a letter (send it via the Internet) to your MP, or your Senator, or your Health Portfolio Minister or.... your local newspaper and let them know the signifigance of the date. Heck; it's not even going to cost you the price of a stamp!
There's a ton of world facts and figures on the web. Won't take you but a minute to find the info you're looking for. And; to help you along, GOLD has put together some resource info for you to help.
www.goldcopd.org/wcd-reach-the-media.htmlWho/ What is GOLD?
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) works with health care professionals and public health officials to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to improve prevention and treatment of this lung disease for patients around the world.
And The Date?
"What is World COPD Day?
World COPD Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and COPD patient groups throughout the world. Its aim is to raise awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and improve COPD care throughout the world
Each year GOLD chooses a theme and coordinates preparation and distribution of World COPD Day materials and resources. World COPD Day activities are organized in each country by health care professionals, educators, and members of the public who want to help reduce the burden of COPD.
The first World COPD Day was held in 2002. Each year organizers in more than 50 countries worldwide have carried out activities, making the day one of the world's most important COPD awareness and education events.
Please have a voice. Please make your voice heard.
If not for those who may, or should be, diagnosed; do it for yourself because ultimately, you WILL need the strength and the voice, and the help of others in some fashion.
Easy Breathing,
Jackie Whitaker
