American Lung Association at the Iowa State Fair
(August 20, 2010)—
Des Moines University Faculty and Students, Iowa Society of Respiratory Care members and the American Lung Association staffed the Farm Bureau health tent at the Iowa State Fair on Monday, August 16th and Wednesday, August 18th. More than 500 fair goers completed the five- question screener to identify if they may be at risk for COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
More than 24 million Americans have COPD, yet half remain undiagnosed. Over time, COPD impacts your ability to breathe, and by extension, the ability to live your life. “Most people with COPD are diagnosed until they have already lost half of their lung function. By then it is often a struggle to walk, especially up the stairs, and participate in everyday activities” reports Micki Sandquist, ALA Executive Director.
