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MP's breathing more easily after lung test
ALMOST a third of people who took a free lung test during Rotherham's Breathe Easy week have been advised to go for further health checks.
The event - part of the British Lung Foundation's 'Love Your Lungs' campaign - aimed to encourage everyone to ask their doctor for a test if they had early symptoms of lung disease including breathlessness, a persistent cough, or a wheezy chest.
And of the 71 people tested at NHS Rotherham's specialist centre for lung conditions BreathingSpace, as many as 19 were found to be in need of further tests.
Denis MacShane MP lent his support to the campaign and had his own lungs tested.
He said: "The high number of people being referred for support highlights how important it is for people to get their lungs tested and receive the right treatment for their condition.
"We have a great deal of breathing problems especially among Rotherham workers who have worked in the coal or steel industries, as well as men and women who have smoked at any stage of their life.
"Having the test is a guide to doctors and nurses on how well your lungs work and there is now more and more knowledge about how we can help people with breathing difficulties. The BreathingSpace centre is a wonderful local investment by the NHS and I am pleased it is located in Rotherham."
Smoking is a major cause of respiratory disease and NHS Rotherham's Stop Smoking Service was also on hand to offer stop smoking support, information, advice and referrals for further support if necessary.
BreathingSpace offers a variety of treatments for patients with respiratory disease, which includes conditions such as COPD, emphysema, chronic asthma and bronchitis. Treatments include specialist exercise and education sessions, occupational therapy, stop smoking support, dietary and lifestyle advice, welfare and benefits advice. There is also an inpatient service with 20 beds providing specialist treatment and respite care for patients suffering a worsening of their condition.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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