COPD Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), also known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is the only one of the top five causes of death whose prevalence and death rate is rising; and

WHEREAS, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a chronic and progressive disease that affects over 24 million individuals in the US, half of whom have not been properly diagnosed; and

WHEREAS, A diagnostic test for COPD, known as spirometry is available for office use, allowing early diagnosis of COPD yet many patients suffering with COPD are not diagnosed until they have reached an advanced stage of COPD; and

WHEREAS, The major risk factor for COPD is smoking. Other risk factors include environmental exposure to air pollution, industrial irritants and burned biomass fuels; and

WHEREAS, COPD can also result from genetic conditions, such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency; and

WHEREAS, COPD is considered to be the second leading cause of disability in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the annual cost to the nation in 2011 is estimated to be $49.9 billion; and

WHEREAS, increased public awareness, early detection and treatment are crucial in the prevention or slowing the progression of lung disease and can lead to reduced costs and better quality of life for our residents:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim November 2011, as

COPD Awareness Month

in the State of the Alabama.

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 31st day of October 2011.

                                                                                 Governor Robert Bentley