The Lung Association
81 Prince Street C1A 4R3 Charlottetown, PE, Canada

COPD diagnosis often surprises people. It might start with being short of breath while walking up or down the stairs or a cough that does not go away. Some people think that feeling short of breath is a normal sign of aging, but that is not the case. If you are over 40 and smoke or used to smoke, you may already have COPD. Take this quick test to screen for symptoms of COPD: https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/copd/symptoms

Today is #WorldLungDay. Lung health is of particular importance during these challenging times. We continue to fight on your behalf for better policies, fund life-saving research and provide lung health information resources. For latest information about COVID-19 and your lung health visit our page.

The Sleep Apnea Refurbishment Program provides assistance to low-income patients who suffer from sleep apnea but are unable to afford treatment. The program relies on the donations of previously owned CPAP and BiPAP machines. If you are in need of a CPAP machine or have a CPAP machine you would like to donate please contact our office. Phone: 902-892-5957 E-mail: [email protected]

An estimated 1.6 million Canadians live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet it is believed almost as many have COPD and don’t know it. That’s why The Lung Association is embarking on a national project aimed at learning more about the challenges that exist in properly diagnosing and treating people with COPD so we can better support, diagnose and treat patients. Learn more about the Missing Million project: https://ns.lung.ca/lung-health/missing-million-copd-project

Congrats to BC for launching a new lung cancer screening program. With early detection, lung cancer patients will be diagnosed earlier, providing more treatment options and the chance of a better prognosis. Do you think PEI should have a lung cancer screening program?

Need another reason to quit smoking?

We commend the provincial government for acting to address this issue by removing one of the most enticing aspects of vaping for youth. "Getting rid of the flavours is a huge step, and I think the next step is a cap on the nicotine content."

Please help us inform youth about the risks of vaping. How you can help: Know the facts about vaping... Inform students of the known and unknown risks of vaping products Have open and honest conversations with your students about vaping Set a positive example by being vape/tobacco-free https://pei.lung.ca//vaping-prevention/vaping-products-inf

We are proud to work with other like-minded organizations that are a part of the #HealthCharitiesCoalitionofCanada on a campaign that shows how #healthcharitieshelp. Find out more: http://healthcharities.ca/healthcharitieshelp

A Certified Asthma Educator can help you understand more about you or your child’s asthma, and can teach you how to control and manage symptoms. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//health-pei/asthma-educa

Did you know ragweed season is in full swing in September? One of the ways you can help your child’s asthma this school season is ensuring his or her allergies are under control. #SeptemberSpike https://www.lung.ca/lung-hea/lung-disease/asthma/treatment

When you have COPD your lungs have been weakened. They are unable to protect themselves from air pollution, or fight off colds. It is important to know how to avoid and prevent things that may make your COPD worse. Follow the link below to learn tips about how to manage your COPD flareups. https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/copd/flare-ups

Obstructive sleep apnea stops you from having the restful sleep you need to stay healthy. If it’s not treated, sleep apnea can lead to daytime sleepiness, and reduced cognitive function. People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and early death. https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/sleep-apnea

#SeptemberSpike can be even more challenging this year due to #COVID-19. Read our latest blog to learn how to manage it. https://www.lung.ca/blog/getting-ready-back-school-2020

With children returning to school this September, one way you can help protect him/her from COVID-19 is with a mask. Follow our tips on non-medical face masks when teaching your child how to put on and remove a mask. https://www.lung.ca//Facemask_infosheetENFINAL%20%281%29.p For more information on policies in PEI schools visit: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca//wearing-masks-and-ppe-i

Sending your child w/ asthma back to school? Start their asthma medication a couple weeks early to help maintain control before the #SeptemberSpike. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider re. additional steps if your child will need face mask.

"Vaping dangers should be raised with kids and teens as they prepare to return to school and reunite with friends."

"The lighthouse pin is designed to be a signal to people that are not comfortable with physical contact" As COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift, vulnerable Islanders may not be ready for close physical contact due to anxiety, compromised immune systems and underlying medical conditions such as COPD.

If you’ve been diagnosed with #lungcancer, it can feel very overwhelming. Get informed about the various treatments available and ask the right questions. https://www.lung.ca/lung/lung-disease/lung-cancer/treatment

Germ control is extremely important, especially during a pandemic. Remember to cover you cough, wash your hands, and keep surfaces clean.

It can be hard to quit smoking, but we encourage you to try now. Smoking causes lung damage and touching any devices to your mouth and face, such as a cigarette or vape, increases your likelihood of contracting COVID-19. With the probability of a second wave of COVID-19 on its way, now is the best time to improve your health and create the strongest line of defense against this virus that you can.... https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/smoking-and-tobacco

Thanks to CBC Prince Edward Island for including us in your story about how scented cleaning products can impact people with lung disease https://www.cbc.ca//pei-asthma-cleaning-products-scent-1.5

The Canadian lung association matters to me because it keeps me connected to resources so that I can continue to stay up to date and learn about my lung disease. It also keeps me connected to patients and staff who can share personal stories which helps me to know that I am not alone in my struggles. Jazmin, New Brunswick #HealthCharitiesHelp http://www.healthcharities.ca/

Do you have lung health issues and are impacted by scented products? Have you found yourself struggling more during the pandemic as the result of scented cleaners/ scented antibacterial products? CBC is looking to do an interview with an Islander that has been experiencing more lung health issues during the pandemic as a result of exposure to scents. Please PM us if you're interested in being interviewed.

Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical. Youth are especially susceptible to its negative effects. Talk to your teen about the risks of vaping. https://www.canada.ca//talking-teen-vaping-tip-sheet-paren

More Canadians indicate they are going to get the flu shot this year amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Will YOU be getting the flu shot?

The Lung Association is a great source of support for people like me who live with a chronic respiratory condition. It is a great source of information to raise awareness and reduce stigma. It reminds me I am not alone. ~ Karen, Manitoba #HealthCharitiesHelp http://www.healthcharities.ca/

Scent-free policies are being established in many public places including hospitals, schools, places of worship, and the workplace. As people become more aware of the adverse health effects created by scented products, more policies will be developed. You can contact our office to get your "Scent-Free Space" signs. 902-892-5957 [email protected]

Illness and the need for health charities don’t stop because of crisis. In fact, the need is greater than ever. Canada’s health charities need federal government support to continue to help deliver critical services and conduct vital research now and once the COVID-19 pandemic passes. Members of the Health Charities Coalition of Canada share how these organizations support the wellness and quality of life of Canadians. #healthcharitieshelp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCGvkYWbR2Y

High radon levels can be dangerous, learn about how you can test your home for radon here: https://pei.lung.ca/our-programs/radon

https://www.lung.ca//smoki/manage-your-withdrawal-symptoms

Who are the researchers looking to find new treatments for #lungcancer? Read the story of Javad Alizadeh and his work. https://www.lung.ca//lab-how-canadian-lung-association-hel

"No vaping product has been approved as a smoking-cessation aid; the long-term safety of e-cigarettes is not known and there are many safer and more effective smoking cessation aids available." "A young person who would otherwise be at low risk of starting to smoke cigarettes is now estimated to be 8.5 times more likely to become a cigarette smoker if he or she has vaped."

#COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected us, among other charities. We’re joining forces to work together to make sure we can all be there for you now and once the pandemic passes. #HealthCharitiesHelp http://www.healthcharities.ca/ http://www.organismesante.ca/

Did you know that loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person's breathing pauses or becomes shallow during periods of their sleep, which can lead to other serious health issues. https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/sleep-apnea