On Monday, staff from the community health building headed off for a 20-minute walk to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Other departments at SWH will follow their lead each day this week, with the total number of steps taken to be recorded and sent to Lung Foundation Australia.

COPD is a combination of emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma, with almost one in seven Australians over 40 reporting limited airflow.

SWH pediatrics asthma nurse Sarah Irving said there was a strong turn-out for the first day.

She said while COPD cannot be cured, it is preventable and treatable.

“It’s great to get so many people taking part and I’m sure it will continue,” Ms Irving said. 

“The week is about raising awareness of COPD and what people can do in terms of prevention. It is also about letting those that have it know how they can treat it and what programs we have here at South West Healthcare to help them do that.”

A stall will be set up each day in the community health building reception area with information about COPD and available support services. While smokers are the most at risk of getting COPD, they are not an exclusive group.

People who have worked in smoky or dusty places are also at risk while it can also be genetic. Symptoms of COPD include a shortness of breath while carrying out simple tasks, a persistent or changed cough and coughing up of a sticky substance called phlegm. These symptoms are caused when bronchial tubes in the lungs become narrower. 

Ms Irving said the awareness campaign would also be aimed at making sure people go to their doctors if they are suffering any COPD symptoms. 

Next Wednesday is World COPD Day with SWH one of 111 health organisations across the state to host activities to mark the occasion.

*Members of the public are welcome to join SWH staff at 12.15pm each day this week for their COPD walk.