As part of the commemoration of World COPD DAY, GlaxoSmithKline and the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), are spearheading a new campaign called #MakeTimeForDad. COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was the disease that claimed the King of Comedy’s life.
COPD is a progressive lung ailment that makes breathing difficult and invariably leads to death. Here are some facts about COPD and symptoms that you should watch out for:
- 7th killer disease in the Philippines, which is not surprising in a country where there are 17.3 million adult smokers. Unfortunately, only 2% of the 4.2 million Filipinos are diagnosed.
- Cigarette smoking causes 80% to 90% of COPD cases. Aside from smoking, pollution – both indoor and outdoor – can also cause COPD, according to studies by the World Health Organization.
- Patients who are suffering from COPD experience breathlessness, abnormal sputum characterized by a mix of saliva and mucus, and chronic cough.
The MakeTimeForDad campaign encourages people to be more sensitive to the condition of their fathers especially those who smoke and are more prone to develop COPD. It aims to remind us to act quick and not to disregard the signs of COPD before it’s too late.
The campaign encourages family members to upload 30-second videos on Facebook and Instagram, stating a list of things they want to do or wish they could have done with their loved fathers.
Present at the event was Epy Quizon sharing how their dad succomb to COPD. The once vibrant Comedy King had become lethargic. “Our dad was a fighter. He was our general, our commander-in-chief, so watching him get weaker and trying hard just to catch his breath was very difficult for us,”
“We want to educate people, and make them aware of the disease. We hope this will give them a clearer picture of how the disease affects not only the patient but the entire family,” he said.
For more information on COPD, visit pinoycopd.com.
