ANN ARBOR, Mich., MI | April 24, 2023
The American Lung Association Lung Health Cohort Research Study is the first-ever large-scale lung health study and will track 4,000 young adults (aged 25-35) at the age of peak lung health. Scientists across the country will follow these millennials for approximately five years after their initial interviews to evaluate how their environment, lifestyle and physical activity habits affect respiratory health. Millennials interested in participating can locate a site near them at Lung.org/Lung-Study.
“Historically, lung health has been studied only after the appearance of chronic lung disease. There is a critical need to better understand how a young, healthy adult’s lung function declines over time,” said MeiLan Han, MD, professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Health System; director of the Michigan Airways Program; and principal investigator for the Lung Health Cohort at the University of Michigan. “In addition, here in Michigan, our residents face lung health threats like higher-than-average adult smoking rates, teen vaping, and smoke from Canadian wildfires. By studying the lung health of millennials in Michigan, we can determine how these factors impact respiratory function, and develop ways to prevent lung disease or catch it earlier.”
Here are some details about the American Lung Association Lung Health Cohort study:
- It will follow 4,000 young adults at the age of peak lung health, from 25 to 35 years old, in Michigan, as well as 35 other sites across the US, painting a clear picture of lung health across geography and demography.
- Each participant will be tracked for approximately five years on measures of lung function, respiratory symptoms, and information including where they have lived, where and what they did for work, as well as health behaviors, fitness, biomarkers and chest imaging.
- This study will use low-dose CT scans to track any signs of early or intermediate lung injury or abnormalities, which clinicians can use to build a library of lung images in various stages of health and disease.
- The Lung Association's Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network will conduct the research working closely with researchers at the University of Michigan. ACRC is the largest national non-profit clinical network dedicated to asthma and COPD research.
Those interested in participating in the study can locate a site near them at Lung.org/Lung-Study.
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The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
For more information, contact:
James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
[email protected]
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