The Healthy Lungs for Life campaign is a joint project undertaken by ERS and the European Lung Foundation (ELF). It is one of the largest lung health campaigns to date.
Together, ERS and ELF have been driving the campaign since 2014, in order to raise awareness of the importance of healthy lungs and taking steps towards preventing lung damage.
The campaign targets everyone from clinicians, scientists, policy makers and the public through a wide range of related activities.
The theme for 2016
The theme for the campaign in 2016 is ‘Breathe Clean Air’. This puts the spotlight on air pollution and raising awareness of how we all have a part to play in reducing air pollution and protecting ourselves and others from the associated risks.
We are targeting healthcare professionals specifically to raise awareness of the importance of their role in communicating with patients on this topic. This includes: discussing the health implications of air pollution (in its many forms) with their patients; ensuring that occupational history of patients is obtained and considered at the time of assessment; and ensuring that patients have a clear understanding of issues such as passive smoking in the home.
Healthy Lungs for Life at Congress
There are a number of scientific sessions and planned activities for professionals and the public taking place at this year’s Congress.
Key campaign activities:
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The Healthy Lungs for Life track: The complete Healthy Lungs for Life programme of activities can be accessed from the online Congress programme. Simply enter ‘Healthy Lungs for Life’ into the search option.
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Healthy Lungs for Life stand: Pick up a Healthy Lungs for Life mug and talk to us about how you can get involved in the campaign; collect an air quality information pack to help you to communicate with your patients about the risks pollution may pose to their lung health. Some of these packs contain a CleanSpace™ tag – a sensor that lets you track air pollution wherever you are, both indoors and out, on your smartphone – so check your pack for a golden ticket!
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Patient forum:This event will bring together a respiratory professional alongside a patient as they discuss how healthcare professionals should communicate the impact and risk of air pollution to respiratory patients. Jos Bell will share her experiences as a respiratory patient who has been affected by pollution and discuss the needs of people in similar situations, while Prof Chris Griffiths will discuss how these needs can be met by healthcare professionals. Delegates will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts at the end. Attend the Patient Forum: Tuesday 6 September 1.00-2.00pm – Room ICC Capital Suite 8 – Session 625
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Lung function testing events: Healthy Lungs for Life public events will be running throughout London during the Congress, offering members of the public free spirometry tests and information on their lung health and the impact of air pollution. These activities will take place in a giant bubble that will travel to the following locations:
- Friday, 2 September (Trafalgar Square, Central London) – 10:00 to 18:00
- Tuesday, 6 September (Canada Square, Canary Wharf) – 07:30 to 20:00
- Wednesday 7 September (Battlebridge Place – close to Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations) – 08:00 to 20:00
For more information about the Healthy Lung for Life campaign and to find out how you can bring the campaign to your own community, visit the Healthy Lungs for Life website.