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Around Australia

Mr Stephen Robertson (Qld Minister for Health)
Hon. Stephen Robertson (Qld Minister for Health)

Support group members and Pulmonary Rehabilitation centre staff and patients around Australia marked World COPD Day on November 19 by coordinating events to assist with raising public awareness about COPD, and to educate people about its symptoms, prevalence and treatment.  Patients, carers, family and friends along with industry professionals came together during the week of November 17 - 21 to spread the message about COPD.  The activities were many and varied and included walks, information stands, free spirometry testing, bar-b-ques, educational workshops, Tai Chi sessions and coordinated exercise programs during scheduled pulmonary rehabilitation classes.

In total, 99 groups participated in an event on World COPD Day and of those, 49 groups undertook a "Catch your breath...walk for COPD" event where they encouraged group members, patients, family and friends to get moving and reinforce the fact that COPD suffers may be breathless but they are definitely not helpless.  Over 1118 people wore the COPD event t-shirt with pride!!   

Mr Stephen Robertson (Qld Minister for Health) with crowd
Hon. Stephen Robertson (Qld Minister for Health) with crowd
Some group activities were limited by the weather on World COPD Day, but participants could not be detered and to date the national tally for the total distance walked stands at 1303.75 kms.  Groups are still finalising and submitted their figures so please stay posted for an update of the national total.  In the coming weeks a Photo Gallery will be established so that you can share in the event photos.  Please go to the World COPD Day 2008 Event Photo Gallery and group photos will be posted by state and event location. 

The Brisbane event participants enjoyed the surrounds of the Suncorp Piazza at the South Bank Parklands.  We were blessed with nice weather and had over 160 people present for the launch of the new patient handbook "Better Living with COPD - A patient guide" by the Hon. Stephen Robertson, Queensland Minister for Health.  Stephen Robertson cut a ribbon to officially open our walk and then lead our participants around the measured course while proudly wearing our green event t-shirt.  During the event, 81 free spirometry tests were performed and participants enjoyed their walk and also took part in a Tai Chi for beginners exercise session.  

Together we can all make a difference in raising the profile of COPD and in turn improving the level of support and services available to those diagnosed with this disease. 

People with oxygen cylinders
People with oxygen cylinders
Crowd support
Crowd support
 

Content updated December 9, 2008

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 December 2008 )
 
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