ATLANTA, GA. (November 25, 2011)—In the U.S., 24 million Americans may have some form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and as many as half of those people remain undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COPD is also the third leading cause of death in the U.S. On Wednesday, November 30, Piedmont Hospital will host a free COPD awareness and screening event from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in front of the 35 Building on the hospital campus, featuring lung health testing and the COPD Foundation’s COPD Shuttle: Journey to the Center of the Lung.
The Shuttle is a 20-seat, state-of-the-art mobile motion simulator that immerses riders on a journey through the lungs to see the harmful effects of smoking. High-definition imagery, surround-sound audio and computer-driven motion control make the Shuttle a fun and memorable experience. During the multimedia ride, viewers traverse the globe in rapid sequence, learning of the toxic smoke, dust particles and chemical fumes that enter the lungs and cause progressive and often debilitating deterioration of lung function.
At this event, free COPD screenings will be provided by Piedmont Hospital’s respiratory therapy staff on a first-come, first-served basis.
About COPD
COPD is the only chronic disease growing in mortality, killing one individual every four minutes. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and adult onset (refractory) asthma. Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, and chronic coughing. For more information, please visit www.copdfoundation.org or call 1-866-316-COPD (2673).