COPD Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to refer to a group of diseases that cause airflow obstruction and breathing related problems, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases, asthma and severe bronchiectasis; and

WHEREAS, COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that affects an estimated 24 million people nationwide, half of whom have not been properly diagnosed and 70% of whom are under age 65; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, COPD became the third leading cause of death in the United States, 12 years earlier than predicted, and it is the only top five cause of death that is not declining; COPD is also considered to be the second leading cause of disability in the United States; and

WHEREAS, smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD; other risk factors include environmental factors, exposure to air pollution, second hand smoke and genetics; and

WHEREAS, nationwide the cost of COPD in 2010 was $49.9 billion including healthcare services, indirect costs through loss of productivity and the deterioration of personal health; and

WHEREAS, concerted public outreach efforts such as a DRIVE4COPD, the nation’s largest public awareness and screening campaign for COPD, and the NHLBI’s COPD: Learn More Breathe Better Campaign, can dramatically improve public awareness of COPD; and

WHEREAS, while there is no known cure for COPD, increased awareness, early detection and proper health management can slow the progression of the disease and lead to reduced costs, improved quality of life and self-sufficiency for our citizens:

 NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of November 2012 as

COPD Awareness Month

in the state of 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 1st day of November 2012.

 

      

Robert Bentley, Governor