Lung Health
Lung Health
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic or lifelong disease that can be serious—even life-threatening. There is no cure for asthma. The good news is that with proper management, you or your loved one with asthma can live a normal, healthy life. The more you can learn about asthma, the better you and your loved ones can manage living with this disease, making the most of every day and maintaining a high quality of life. Visit Lung.org/asthma to find more resources related to asthma.
The American Lung Association offers various asthma education resources on lung.org, including the following:
- Asthma Basics is a program is offered as a self-paced online learning module or an in-person workshop and designed to help people learn more about asthma.
- Resources for Health Professionals
- Asthma Management Resources for Schools
- Asthma Policy & Advocacy Resources that can help improve the lives of people with asthma.
Chronic Disease Integration: Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)
The Center for Disease Control-led National Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based lifestyle change program for preventing Type 2 diabetes.
The year-long program helps participants make real lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, including physical activity into their daily lives, and improving problem-solving and coping skills.
Participants meet with a trained lifestyle coach and a small group of people who are making lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes. Sessions are weekly for six months and then monthly for six months.
This proven program can help people with prediabetes and/ or at risk for Type 2 diabetes make achievable and realistic lifestyle changes and cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58%.
To get started, you can take a prediabetes test and then see your health care provider for a follow-up. You must meet the A1C requirements to join a Diabetes Prevention Program. Once you join, you will be asked to complete a Commitment Form and a Participant Intake Form and then you can begin your journey to becoming a healthier you.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. The disease affects millions of Americans and is the third leading cause of disease-related death in the U.S. The good news is COPD is often preventable and treatable. Visit Lung.org/COPD for more resources and tools to help you understand COPD, manage treatment and lifestyle changes, find support and take action.
Join a Better Breathers Club today, to connect with others living with lung disease, as well as education and support.
Lung Cancer
Anyone can get lung cancer. Lung cancer happens when cells in the lung mutate or change. Various factors can cause this mutation (a permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene) to happen. Most often, this change in lung cells happens when people breathe in dangerous, toxic substances. Even if you were exposed to these substances many years ago, you are still at risk for lung cancer. Visit Lung.org/lungcancer for more information.
To learn more about the causes and risks factors of lung cancer, such as smoking, radon, hazardous chemicals and more, visit the Lung Association’s website.
Data show that screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) reduces the risk of dying from lung cancer in the high-risk population studied. Other screening tests such as chest X-rays and sputum cytology have not been found to be effective and are not recommended for screening. To learn more about the American Lung Association’s Lung Cancer Screening Resources and see if you are eligible for a screening, visit our website at Lung.org/savedbythescan.
Join the Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition! The Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition (PCC) is a statewide cancer coalition working to implement evidence-based approaches to control cancer and strengthen partnerships by exchanging information and identifying and utilizing resources.
Radon
You can’t see or smell radon, and it can build up inside homes, buildings and schools to dangerous levels. Exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. Learn about radon, how it affects lung health and what you can do about it by visiting Lung.org/radon.
The American Lung Association’s Radon Basics course is a free one-hour interactive online learning program designed to help people understand more about radon, a radioactive cancer-causing gas commonly found indoors at dangerous levels. This course is designed to be appropriate for anyone who wants to learn more about radon and about how to test for it and fix problems, including home buyers, real estate professionals and home inspectors concerned about safe and healthy housing.
Lung Health Resources
Asthma
Diabetes Prevention Program
COPD
Lung Cancer
Radon
Additional Resources
- Visit the American Lung Association’s website
- Learn more about the CDC
- Visit the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
Health Needs 2020 Assessment Reports – Regional Profiles
Facilitators are able to access a catalog of all print literature that is available, view pricing and place an order for FFS materials through our new print store. Please submit prior to the start of your clinic, preferable two full weeks before.
- Learn more about data reports and resources from Pennsylvania’s Department of Health
- Visit the CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers
- Learn more about the Tobacco Free Kids Campaign
Read the announcement concerning a new, national anti-vaping curriculum providing youth with facts about e-cigarettes and resources to quit, called Vaping: Know the Truth.
Vaping: Know the Truth will help guide teachers and empower teens who vape to quit, or to never start in the first place. The curriculum will be available to schools across the country.
- Vaping: Know the Truth Flyer
Describes vaping prevention and resources to quit. - This is Quitting Flyer
A free, anonymous, text message, quit vaping program from truth®. Partnership opportunities to customize This is Quitting with your tobacco-control programs are available.
