World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day is Wednesday, November 20. Mercy Memorial’s Better Breathers Club encourages everyone to stop and think about what they can do to improve the lung health of the community. Advances in detection and treatment have made the word ‘cure’ a possibility.

COPD is currently the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated to affect 24 million Americans, yet as many as half remain undiagnosed. In fact, COPD is more common than many people realize. One out of five adults in the United States over the age of 45 has COPD. Risk factors include a history of smoking (both current and former smokers), long-term environmental exposure to things that can irritate your lungs as well as certain genetic conditions.

Come to the lobby of Mercy Memorial Hospital to learn about the latest research, education resources, screening tools and equipment at a special exhibit on November 20.

The Better Breathers Club members are also conducting a raffle with prize drawings every hour and three grand prizes of a handmade quilt, a handmade afghan and a man’s gift basket. All proceeds benefit the cardiovascular rehabilitation program at Mercy Memorial.

For more information, call (734)240-5301.