To mark World COPD Day on November 15, Royal Philips has launched a global movement to raise awareness for COPD–the fourth (and going-on third) leading cause of death worldwide. There is a lack of awareness and social stigma associated with the disease, Philips said in a press release.

Philips is collaborating with COPD athlete Russell Winwood to create motivational content designed to help educate, engage and empower COPD patients and their caregivers.  To further amplify the message, Philips has committed to donating $1 to The COPD Foundation for every campaign video share throughout COPD Awareness month, November.

“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.”

Philips is working with Russell Winwood to share his personal journey with other COPD patients and inspire them to live their lives to the fullest. After being diagnosed with COPD, Russell found it difficult to move forward with his everyday routine; however, just six months after his diagnosis, he completed his first full Ironman and continues to participate in triathlons around the world, showing that a COPD diagnosis does not need to stop patients from enjoying their favorite activities. For recently diagnosed COPD patients, Winwood shares his advice for living well:

  • Knowledge: Understand what it means to have COPD. Patients should work with their doctor to create a customized action plan to help track progress.
  • Treatment: While there is no cure for COPD, there are many treatment options including prescription drugs, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, portable oxygen concentrators, and ventilation therapy that can help patients maintain a better quality of life. By researching and having a strong understanding of the treatment options available, patients can have a more educated conversation with physicians about care plans.
  • Nutrition: A healthy diet is incredibly important for COPD patients as a poor diet can make symptoms worse and affect the ability to exercise. The right nutrition can even help patients breathe easier.
  • Exercise: Exercise can help improve cardio-respiratory fitness level by strengthening large muscle groups within one’s body while also improving circulation.

More information is available at the Philips World COPD Day website.