Breathless not Helpless

Shoppers in Guernsey will be offered free lung function tests next week.

It's part of a local initiative to try to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is the UK's fourth biggest killer, causing more deaths each year than breast, prostate and bowel cancer. Despite this, awareness is very low of this progressive, possibly life-limiting disease.

The Respiratory Medicine Clinical Nurse Specialist and volunteers from the local respiratory charity are teaming up to campaign to raise awareness of the condition and to encourage early diagnosis.

At Le Friquet Garden Centre, between 10.00am and 3.00pm on Wednesday 17th November 2010, all shoppers will be provided with free information and the respiratory nurse specialist will also be giving people the opportunity to undergo a free lung function test.

It's part of a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of looking after your lungs. The campaign is an opportunity to highlight issues which affect people living with lung disease and also the support available to them and those close to them. (from CTV)