World COPD Day was promoted on Wednesday November 16 as part of Lung Health Awareness Month. 

The Australian Lung Foundation coordinated two major events where FREE lung function testing was available to the general public.  People were encouraged to Show Us Your Lungs in Wynyard Park, York Street Sydney and Federation Square, Flinders Street Melbourne where FREE lung function screening was available from 7am – 6pm.  A total of 1481 spirometry tests were undertaken on the day.  The Australian Lung Foundation would like to acknowledge the participation of the wonderful team of allied health professionals and consumer volunteers that worked tirelessly on the day.   

Over 80 smaller regional groups also took part to mark the day with a combination of activities around the country that included our signature event Catch your Breath...walk for COPD.  Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Support Group members were encouraged to mark the day with events that included static displays, a treadmill challenge, information sessions, walks, picnics and BBQs and morning teas.  Click here to go to the event listing.   Groups were also encouraged to submit event photos which you can view.  Click here to view our website Event Gallery.

Should you require further information, please contact Karen Wright on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Australian Lung Foundation continues to promote the importance of being aware of lung health.  The Lung Health Checklist (which was launched in October 2009) was promoted throughout 2010 and 2011 as the world marked The Year of the Lung and World COPD Day respectively.  The Checklist is an easy-to-use guide recognising symptoms that could indicate a need to see a doctor.  The Checklist is an interactive tool and is available on line – click here to go to the Checklist.

Our objective with this campaign is to raise awareness of the message that it is important to catch lung disease before it catches up with you. 

There are things people with COPD can do to reduce their breathlessness and improve their quality of life. In particular pulmonary rehabilitation, including gentle exercise, is a proven therapy that reduces breathlessness and keeps people out of hospital. To promote this message on World COPD Day, The Australian Lung Foundation organises a coordinated national walking event. Our message is "Walk for COPD and Catch your Breath".

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that affects about 1 in 5 Australians over 40 years old and often causes breathlessness. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD.

Alarmingly, 3 out of 4 people with COPD do not know they have the condition and are therefore not taking the important steps to manage their symptoms and stem the progress of the disease.

Reassuringly, there are things you can do about COPD to help you breathe easier.

Contact your doctor to have a simple lung test.

The Australian Lung Foundation is also here to help. Contact us for information on COPD and support for people with COPD on 1 800 654 301

Content updated December 16, 2011