Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) impacts over half a million Australians, with some of the condition’s most common forms being emphysema or chronic bronchitis. This year, Lung Foundation Australia is marking World COPD Day by encouraging individuals living with COPD, their families, and carers to take control of their health with the My COPD Checklist.
Lung Foundation Australia’s new resource, My COPD Checklist, is designed to fill an important knowledge gap for people living with COPD who don’t realise there are actions they can take to improve their lung health.
Lung Foundation Australia’s recent Lived Experience Survey demonstrated a need for this resource after revealing that 84% of people with COPD reported moderate or significant impacts on their daily activities due to their condition, and 74% said their mental health was also moderately or significantly affected. Furthermore, compared to 2020, people with COPD are using fewer strategies to manage their lung condition, and many feel less confident in managing their health.
However, the survey also revealed that those who engage with Lung Foundation Australia are more likely to adopt a variety of management strategies, underlining the importance of access to reliable information and support.
Despite the challenges presented by COPD, proper management can reduce COPD symptoms, avoid hospitalisations, and improve quality of life. My COPD Checklist is a simple resource that outlines 10 steps to help people with COPD manage and live well with their condition and work more effectively with their healthcare team.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO, Mark Brooke, said, “managing COPD isn’t just about improving medical treatment; it’s about understanding the condition and empowering people to take a more active role in their health.”
“The drop in confidence we’re seeing in managing COPD is concerning, but it’s also something we can change. Resources like My COPD Checklist can help people make informed decisions about their care.”
“This World COPD Day, we want every person living with COPD to know that there are steps you can take to live better with the condition, and we are here to support them every step of the way.”
Some of the practical steps offered through My COPD Checklist’s personalised report include understanding how COPD affects your lungs and overall health, ensuring people with COPD commit to regular check-ups, and highlighting how pulmonary rehabilitation can improve lung function.
This World COPD Day, Lung Foundation Australia is committed to raising awareness about COPD and connecting people to the resources they need to manage their condition. For people living with COPD, their families, and carers, the My COPD Checklist is an essential first step towards better care.
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