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“The best thing I’ve ever done”: Answering the COPD wake-up call

<p>Brian is a 62-year-old Aussie bloke from Bendigo who once enjoyed a variety of different sports. He had led a very active lifestyle, was a keen fisherman, and loved playing footy. However, all that changed when, at just 47, he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). </p> <p>COPD is a chronic and progressive lung condition, sometimes also diagnosed as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, that can cause your airways to narrow and become obstructed and inflamed, making breathing difficult.<sup>1</sup></p> <p>Unfortunately, there is no cure for COPD but there are management plans available – it’s just a matter of knowing what’s best for you. Which is exactly why Brian is sharing his own experience of the moment he became aware of certain symptoms, and proactively discussing his condition with his doctor to manage his COPD and remain as active as he can.</p> <p>The impact of COPD is staggering, making it the fifth leading cause of death and leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia alone – and the third leading cause of death worldwide.<sup>2,3 </sup>What’s more, the prevalence of COPD increases with age, mostly occurring in people aged 45 and over.<sup>2</sup> </p> <p>When Brian was initially diagnosed, he was interested in learning as much as he could about COPD but was not ready to make specific lifestyle changes at that time. Then in 2015, he was also diagnosed with a heart condition, which shares some of the same risk factors as COPD. For Brian, this major health scare was a wake-up call, and he started to take more notice of his symptoms, particularly his breathing.</p> <p>Brian’s new approach included proactively talking to his doctor to understand his COPD – and in particular to know the difference between his “normal everyday symptoms” and the symptoms he felt when his COPD was worsening, and he was having a flare-up. In this context, a "flare-up" constituted a worsening of COPD symptoms that went beyond the normal day-to-day changes, and which needed additional medication as treatment.<sup>1</sup> </p> <p>For Brian, in terms of managing his COPD proactively, this has been the key.</p> <p>“The best thing I’ve ever done is create a plan (with my doctor). Because every time you have a flare-up, it causes more damage to your lungs. If you’ve been diagnosed with COPD, do something about it straight away.”</p> <p>Like Brian, there are countless Australians living with COPD who may not be aware of the difference between normal fluctuations in their symptoms and a COPD flare-up that could impact their overall health, and requires medical intervention.<sup>1</sup> Understanding the difference between your “normal everyday symptoms” versus your “signs of a flare-up” can ensure treatment is started as early as possible and may greatly improve the quality of your life. <sup>1</sup> This is why <a href="https://www.beflareaware.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.beflareaware.com.au</a> gives both patients and caregivers free access to an extensive wealth of information. </p> <p>The website provides more information about the disease and how to recognise the symptoms of an exacerbation, or a flare-up, and take action early. The raft of easy-use-tools include interactive videos, quizzes and advice from healthcare professionals.</p> <p>“COPD does creep up on you,” recalls Brian. “Suddenly you are getting puffed out doing everyday activities like walking to the car or along the beach. For me, everything started to become more of a chore, and I was constantly struggling to breathe.”</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/O60_Brian_Evoke-10_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>Upon reflection, Brian recalled how COPD had started to impact his relationships with his family and friends too, just as he was coming to terms with the importance of managing his condition.</p> <p>“I have always loved footy,” he says. “My grandson and I used to kick the footy at the local park. He’d be up one end and I on the other. We weren’t even half a dozen kicks in before I was totally out of steam, and I had to sit down. For me, quality time with the grandkids is so important. I told myself, if my grandson wants to kick the footy, then I should be kicking the footy with him to the best of my ability.”</p> <p>Brian started to take a proactive role in his health, including speaking to his doctors about finding a plan to manage his COPD, like taking note of the difference between his “normal everyday symptoms” and when he’s having a flare-up and taking action as soon as he notices one beginning; as well as making important lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and putting a healthy diet and sustainable exercise regime first. </p> <p>“We know our bodies catch up to us as we get older and it’s something many of us find difficult to accept,” he explains. “Knowing the signs and symptoms of issues that aren’t necessarily related to ageing, such as breathing, is critical.”</p> <p>Today, Brian’s lungs are operating at just 37% of normal capacity, which means any form of exertion is difficult. Despite these challenges, Brian has become very flare-aware and actively manages his COPD so that he is able to maintain activities that are important to him. Brian encourages other people living with COPD to take action as early as possible to best manage their condition too.</p> <p><a href="https://www.beflareaware.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/O60_BeFlareAware_videoThumb_02_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="659" /></a></p> <p>“In everything I do, from taking out the rubbish or going for a walk, I need to pace myself,” he says. “I always say that I could have made more of a difference to how I’m living now if I had taken action earlier and made lifestyle changes straight away.”</p> <p>Brian urges anybody who has been living with COPD to take the diagnosis seriously and <a href="https://www.beflareaware.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seek out resources</a> to help you become flare-aware. </p> <p>Early recognition and the ability to manage the disease is important as it can minimise negative impacts of COPD and help prevent future flare-ups.<sup>1</sup> </p> <p>If you or someone you care for are feeling overwhelmed by a COPD diagnosis and would like to become more proactive in your management of COPD, <a href="https://www.beflareaware.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.beflareaware.com.au</a> is an excellent resource to educate both patients and caregivers – and also includes useful links and information created by Lung Foundation Australia. </p> <p>Check out the video below to hear more of Brian’s inspiring story, and to find out how you can live better and Be Flare Aware.</p> <p><a href="https://www.beflareaware.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/O60_BeFlareAware_videoThumb_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="644" /></a></p> <p><em>References: </em></p> <p><em>1. Lung Foundation Australia. COPD Factsheet. <a href="https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/copd-fact-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/copd-fact-sheet/</a> [Last accessed: September 2022]</em></p> <p><em>2. AIHW. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Available at: <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/copd/contents/deaths" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/copd/contents/deaths</a> [Last accessed: September 2022].</em></p> <p><em>3. Quaderi SA, Hurst JR. The unmet global burden of COPD. Glob Health Epidemiol Genom. 2018; 3: e4. Published 2018 Apr 6.</em></p> <p> <em>Images: Supplied</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with AstraZeneca’s <a href="https://www.beflareaware.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Be Flare Aware</a> campaign.</em></p>

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Serena Williams: “I almost died after giving birth”

<p>Serena Williams has spent her whole life putting her body under immense pressure thanks to her 23-year tennis career, but nothing could have prepared her for childbirth.</p> <p><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/20/opinions/protect-mother-pregnancy-williams-opinion/index.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Writing for CNN</span></strong></a>, the 36-year-old revealed that despite having a relatively easy pregnancy, the birth of her first child, Alexis Olympia, with husband Alexis Ohanian came with some life-threatening complications.</p> <p>“I almost died after giving birth to my daughter, Olympia. Yet, I consider myself fortunate,” she wrote.</p> <p>Just 24 hours after welcoming her daughter into the world, however, Williams’ life was in danger, and now, she wants to warn other expecting parents.</p> <p>“It began with a pulmonary embolism, which is a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs becomes blocked by a blood clot. Because of my medical history with this problem, I live in fear of this situation. So, when I fell short of breath, I didn’t wait a second to alert the nurses.</p> <p>“This sparked a slew of health complications that I am lucky to have survived. First my C-section wound popped open due to the intense coughing I endured as a result of the embolism. I returned to surgery, where the doctors found a large hematoma, a swelling of clotted blood, in my abdomen. And then I returned to the operating room for a procedure that prevents clots from traveling to my lungs. When I finally made it home to my family, I had to spend the first six weeks of motherhood in bed.”</p> <p>Williams also took the opportunity to advocate for affordable healthcare for mothers and babies, applauding UNICEF for its efforts in providing disadvantaged mothers and newborns around the world with the care they need.</p> <p>“I am so grateful I had access to such an incredible medical team of doctors and nurses at a hospital with state-of-the-art equipment. They knew exactly how to handle this complicated turn of events. If it weren’t for their professional care, I wouldn’t be here today.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Serena Williams/Instagram.</em></p>

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The disease affecting 1.45 million Australians

<p>Heart disease, stroke and cancer are the leading causes of death and disability in the country, but there’s something else affecting more and more Australians each day – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It’s a long-term disease characterised by shortness of breath, a repetitive cough and increased production of mucus in the airways.</p> <p>“In the past, the condition was known by different names including emphysema and chronic bronchitis,” says NPS MedicineWise medical adviser, Dr Andrew Boyden. “This has been replaced by an umbrella term – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="705" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35962/copd-infographic_498x705.jpg" alt="COPD Infographic"/></p> <p>In 2014, COPD was the fifth-highest killer of Australians, claiming 7,025 lives – 4.6 per cent of all deaths that year. While there is currently no cure available, there are a number of preventative measures you can take and, if caught early enough, the progression of the disorder can be slowed.</p> <p>“One of the best ways Australians can prevent COPD is to avoid smoking, or stop smoking if already a smoker,” Dr Boyden advises. While smokers are most at risk of developing the condition, those regularly exposed to fine dust, chemical fumes or air pollution may be affected.</p> <p>“The good news is that there are very effective inhaler medicines people can take to help them breathe easier and improve their quality of life,” explains Dr Boyden. “One or more inhaler medications is usually prescribed to manage the condition.”</p> <p>However, health professionals around the country are finding that many people are not using their inhalers correctly, thus not getting the best possible treatment for their condition. That’s why NPS MedicineWise has launched a new program aimed at educating sufferers on the proper use of these treatments.</p> <p>“We’re urging anyone currently being treated for COPD to consult with their GP or pharmacist to ensure their inhaler technique is correct. This will help to maximise the benefit they are getting from their medications and provide better symptom relief for their condition.”</p>

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