Corrie star Liz Dawn has got it. Salford Reds players are raising awareness of it. And NHS Salford is trying to deal with it. Hardly anyone has ever heard of COPD but 6000 people in Salford have already been diagnosed with it and another 6000 may well have it.
COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disease that kills more people in the UK each year than bowel, breast or prostate cancer. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are both forms of COPD. Symptoms are difficulty with breathing and a cough that won't go away.
"I have had COPD for over seven years - I was diagnosed after becoming increasingly breathless and could not walk very far without having to sit down" says Liz Dawn who played Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street.
"There is currently no cure for COPD, but your doctor or nurse can help you so you feel less breathless, reduce your coughing and help you keep active" she adds "This is why it is important for me to be taking part in a campaign that raises awareness of this serious, yet relatively unknown condition in Salford."
Salford has been targeted because we're the 17th worst place in the UK for the disease and this new Know It. Check It. Treat It. Campaign is trying to make everyone aware of COPD.
"We are encouraging everyone in Salford at risk of COPD to Know it - by recognising the main symptoms of shortness of breath and persistent cough, Check it - by seeing their doctor or nurse if they experience any of these symptoms, and Treat it - by managing the disease effectively and making lifestyle changes" says June Roberts, Respiratory Nurse Consultant, at Salford Royal Foundation Trust and NHS Salford.
The Health for Life Breathing Bus in partnership with the COPD: Know it. Check it. Treat it. Campaign is currently touring Salford offering quick and easy screenings for COPD. Its next stops are in Eccles at Morrisons on the 11th (3-9pm) and at Eccles Cross on 17th November (9am-5pm) which is World COPD Day.
For more info about the Salford bus tour and COPD go to www.COPDaware.co.uk or click here.
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