TOP NEWS
LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day is Coming on March 29! Our annual LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day is coming up and returning to an in-person format on Wednesday, March 29 in Washington, D.C. Our LUNG FORCE Heroes–those personally affected by lung cancer–will come together from across the country to speak to their members of Congress about the urgent need to address lung cancer. We’re calling on Congress to support and protect Medicaid, increase bioresearch funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can help! Visit LUNGFORCE.org/AdvocacyDay to take action on March 29.
Celebrating Women’s History Month! Join us in celebrating the contributions of women across the U.S. during Women’s History Month (March 1 – March 31). This year, the Lung Association is highlighting staff and volunteers from the American Lung Association who have contributed to the effort to eliminate lung disease, as well as lung health statistics and resources available focused on the lung health of women. We’re also running a Spotlight Series on women who have contributed to lung health over the years.
Listen to Lungcast™ Dr. David Tom Cooke at University of California joins our first Lungcast™ episode of 2023 to discuss his colleagues’ specific role in lung cancer screening and intervention. In addition, he delves into advances in minimally invasive, robotic and bronchoscopic techniques, as well as evolving strategies in individualized patient care. Tune into the enlightening discussion, plus other episodes in our growing library, at: Lung.org/lungcast.
COVID-19 Still Claims 2,000 Lives Per Week – Our New Campaign Keeps You Informed: There are still more than 230,000 new COVID-19 cases and more than 2,000 deaths due to COVID-19 each week, so the Lung Association, with the support of Pfizer, has launched a new campaign to provide critical information on the three things you need to know, should you or a loved one experience symptoms that could be COVID-19.
SUPPORT THE LUNG ASSOCIATION
Are you ready to show your support for healthy lungs?
Fight For Air Climb season is here! Now’s the time to sign up and let your feet stand up for lungs. There are numerous opportunities throughout the year for you to help drive our lifesaving mission. We also have a number of Treks and social events in the works. Explore our events that appeal to a full range of interests.
LUNG CANCER
LUNG FORCE Hero: In early 2019, Leah, an active, healthy mother of three, visited her doctor because she had a nagging cough that she couldn’t shake. Her doctor diagnosed her with a post viral cough and exercise-induced asthma. But when treatments didn’t help, Leah was shocked to learn she had lung cancer. And the likely cause was also a surprise – radon gas in their home. Learn more in her blog.
PATIENT SUPPORT
New Support for those Living with Lung Disease and their Caregivers
The American Lung Association has just launched the Patient & Caregiver Network to provide support, education and access to research for the 34 million Americans living with lung disease. If you live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and other lung diseases, or care for someone who does, this new program is for you. Join now!
COPD Educator Course: Did you know over 575 healthcare and public health professionals attended our COPD Educator Course over the last three years? Join us for the next virtual COPD Educator Course on April 12, 19, and 26, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET each day. The COPD Educator Course is for healthcare professionals like respiratory therapists and nurses who care for patients living with COPD. The course costs $300 and healthcare providers and professionals can earn up to 14 CEUs or CMEs. Information is available on the COPD Educator Course website. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Learn the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea this World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day on March 17 is a global call to action. While everyone needs adequate sleep to feel their best, it is also important to know and recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea because untreated, it can cause or worsen some chronic health conditions. People with sleep apnea may wake up suddenly with jerking body movements after pauses in breathing, often gasping or choking. If you share a bed with someone, you may notice these noises and movements. Any sleep concerns you or your bed partner have should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Learn more.
Trends in Asthma Care Webcast: March 23, 1 p.m. ET
We are pleased to present an educational opportunity to learn about current and newer trends in asthma care, featuring guest speaker Dr. Weinstock, a pediatric pulmonologist. This webcast is ideal for people living with asthma, their caregivers or anyone who wants to learn more about asthma. Participants will learn about: different types of asthma, new and upcoming asthma treatments, tips to working with their healthcare provider, and available tools and resources. This webcast is made possible by Grant Number NU59EH001251, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Register here.
Learn the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea this World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day on March 17 is a global call to action. While everyone needs adequate sleep to feel their best, it is also important to know and recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea because untreated, it can cause or worsen some chronic health conditions. People with sleep apnea may wake up suddenly with jerking body movements after pauses in breathing, often gasping or choking. If you share a bed with someone, you may notice these noises and movements. Any sleep concerns you or your bed partner have should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Learn more.
TOBACCO
Take Down Tobacco Day: March 31: Take Down Tobacco Day, March 31, is a day that empowers youth to speak out and stand up against the tobacco industry. The Lung Association provides proven effective programs and professional development trainings for educating youth on the harmful effects of commercial tobacco use. Our resources on Lung.org can help, whether it’s promoting our INDEPTH® or Not On Tobacco® (NOT) programs to community partners, or educating providers on Ask-Counsel-Treat (ACT). Take action towards creating a tobacco-free future today.
HEALTHY AIR
Delivering on Healthier Air: The quality of the air we breathe has a direct impact on our health. The American Lung Association is working constantly at the local, state and federal level to pass laws that deliver healthier air for all. Recent decisions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) give us reason to celebrate, but also show much more needs to be done. The EPA has released its final rule to reaffirm mercury and air toxics standards, which protect millions from toxic power plant emissions. However, proposed updates to National Particle Pollution Standards by EPA fall far short and must be strengthened. You can help tell EPA to protect us from deadly particle pollution.
EACH BREATH BLOG
Your Heart and Lungs -The Ultimate Relationship: Your heart and your lungs are some of the most vital organs in your body. In addition to sharing a chest cavity, the functions of the heart and the lungs are closely intertwined. Read more in our recent blog.
We hope you enjoyed reading our Mission Moment, because your generous support makes all our work possible! Whether it’s funding research to help us end COVID-19, keeping kids off tobacco, protecting the air we breathe and so much more, it all depends on your generous support. Thank you for helping us all breathe easier together.
Blog last updated: August 22, 2023
