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Check Your Lungs Campaign
NI Chest Heart and Stroke has started a campaign called 'Check Your Lungs' to raise awareness and target people with the early symptoms of respiratory disease such as breathlessness, constant coughing and wheezing.
In 2008 there were 2,096 deaths in Northern Ireland due to respiratory illness. An estimated 150,000 people suffer from respiratory illnesses, resulting in 28,000 hospital admissions a year, costing £47 million.
Respiratory disease cannot be cured, but can be treated and managed with early diagnosis, NI Chest Heart and Stroke are urging people with these symptoms to ask their GP to check their lungs.
The campaign includes radio, bus and billboard advertising, lobbying and health promotion events at shopping centres across Northern Ireland. NI Chest Heart and Stroke will also be mailing campaign posters and flyers to every GP surgery and pharmacy across Northern Ireland.
To listen to the campaign radio advert click here
To download the campaign poster click here
To download the campaign flyer click here
To view the campaign press release click here
NI Chest Heart and Stroke are campaigning to reduce the effects of respiratory illness in Northern Ireland and support those who suffer from it. The charity has an extensive community support group network for people with respiratory illness, throughout Northern Ireland.
For more information on NICHS Respiratory Support Network click here
Repiratory Disease in Northern Ireland
Respiratory disease is the fourth biggest killer in Northern Ireland and includes any disease which affects the lungs, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and lung cancer. Many people live a long time with chronic respiratory illness.
The main focus of our respiratory services is supporting people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is the most significant respiratory complaint in Northern Ireland. We advocate closely with other respiratory organisations, such as Asthma UK Northern Ireland, for example to consult on the forthcoming Respiratory Services Framework.
We also support smoking cessation, as this is a major cause of respiratory illness, particularly lung cancer.
NICHS Respiratory Services
The Respiratory Support Network is a community based initiative designed to support people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and their families and carers across Northern Ireland. The project is funded by the Big Lottery and is being co-ordinated by NI Chest, Heart & Stroke.
Click here for more information on The Respiratory Support Network.
"When I was told I had a lung condition I felt like I was the only one, now I know I am not alone"
"I have really benefited from listening to other people"
"I have had my lung condition 11 years now. I joined my support group last year and I love it!"
Not everyone knows what it is like to have a lung condtion but the other members of a support group do and this understanding and empathy can help.
For more details of the NICHS Support Network click here.
Respiratory research
NICHS funds vital research by local medical researchers and associated health professionals into a range of respiratory conditions to improve prevention and clinical services for patients.
Click here for examples of research funded by NICHS.
COPD Patients' Global Bill of Rights
The COPD Patients' Global Bill of Rights was an important achievement of the First World Conference of COPD Patients in Rome, Italy, 2009. This groundbreaking document sets out seven basic human rights that all COPD patients worldwide deserve.
To view the 'COPD Patients' Global Bill of Rights' click here or go to www.internationalcopd.org for more information.
