As part of the Nov. 15 World COPD Day, Philips Respironics parent company Royal Philips is collaborating with COPD athlete Russell Winwood to raise awareness for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and is projected to be the third leading cause by 2020, according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. However, diagnosis remains a key problem in COPD care, with only half of an estimated 210 million COPD sufferers formally diagnosed with the condition.
To help increase awareness and diagnosis, Philips and Winwood have created motivational videos designed to help educate, engage and empower COPD patients and their caregivers. Additionally, Philips will donate $1 to The COPD Foundation for every campaign video share throughout COPD Awareness month, November.
After being diagnosed with COPD, Winwood initially found it difficult to carry out his everyday routine, but after six months he completed his first full Ironman and continues to participate in triathlons around the world.
“I first heard of COPD when I was diagnosed, and I was devastated,” said Winwood. “I wish I understood that this wasn’t a death sentence, and it doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love. With the support of my wife and family, I vowed that I wouldn’t allow this disease to take control of my life.”
In the videos Winwood credits his success in living with the condition to various factors:
- Working with his physician to better understand and manage his condition and treatment.
- Treatment options such as prescription drugs, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, portable oxygen concentrators, and ventilation therapy.
- Healthy nutrition that fosters better breathing.
- Exercise that strengthens large muscle groups to boost cardio-respiratory fitness and improve circulation.
“COPD is among the most common, underdiagnosed, debilitating, deadly and costly diseases to manage,” said Dr. Teofilo Lee-Chiong, chief medical liaison at Philips. “People can’t find solutions for a problem they don’t know they have or implement solutions they don’t know exist. At Philips, we are committed to making lives better for COPD patients, from education to developing innovative therapy solutions, and that with the right diagnosis, management plan and support group, people diagnosed with COPD can still live a full and active life.”
Providers and respiratory professionals wishing to help spread the COPD awareness campaign, or seeking more information about Winwood, or Philips COPD solutions should visit Philips.com/WorldCOPDDay.
