TEMPLATE PRE-EVENT PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
<Insert date>
[CITY RESIDENTS e.g.PEOPLE IN AMSTERDAM]URGED TOTAKE THE ACTIVE OPTION WITH FREE LUNG TESTS
Free lung testing in city centre to support Healthy Lungs for Life
Doctors and nurses will[take to the streets of [insert city]] or[open their doors]on [insert date]to measureresidents’ lung health and highlight the importance of physical activity,to support Healthy Lungs for Life.
Across the globe, lung diseases are among the leading causes of death – yet the majority of lung diseases are preventable or could be better controlled at an early stage if diagnosed or detected via spirometry testing.
This year, the event will also help draw people’s attention to the importance of regular physical activity for lung health. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of activity, not just for the general population but also people living with lung conditions. There is a level of activity suitable for everyone – from taking the stairs instead of the elevator, to running a marathon.
The testing event is just one of a number of public tests being held around the world as part of the Healthy Lungs for Life campaign. The campaign is being organised by the European Respiratory Society and the European Lung Foundation. Itseeks to reduce the number of people suffering from respiratory disease by raising awareness and knowledge of lung conditions and ways to prevent lung damage.
[Insert organisation name] is hosting this free event at [insert location]. Doctors and nurses at the event will give participants free spirometry tests measuring their lung capacity, and if the results raise concern,participants will be given a letter to take to their doctor.[Insert any other sports or training events where relevant]
“With the number of people dying from lung disease rapidly increasing, we urge[city residents’ i.e. Londoners’] to take the active option and go for a free lung test,” said [insert local spokesperson].“It is the most accurate test available and can help detect conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) early, before the onset of debilitating symptoms.”
“Spirometry testing is like an MOT check for the lungs – you will most likely get the all clear, but it can be a good way to check how healthy your lungs are”, said Dan Smyth, Chair of the European Lung Foundation<or insert your local spokesperson>. “We need a combination of early detection, and improvement of our lung health. All of us, whether our lungs are healthy or not, need to be aware of the importance of regular physical activity, which has been shown to improve quality of life and fitness and to reduce the risk of chronic disease.”
For information about Healthy Lungs for Life events taking place in your area or across Europe, please visit:
For further information from the European Lung Foundation, please contact Lauren Anderson: +441142672876 or
Notes to editors
Spirometry – the gold standard in lung testing
In the same way that blood pressure measurements provide a simple yet effective screening method for cardiovascular disease, spirometry tests can help to unmask the early symptoms of a variety of lung diseases before any more obvious signs appear.
The importance of physical activity: key information
- Sedentary behaviour is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases.
- Regular physical activity has been shown to improve quality of life and fitness in healthy people.
- Lack of physical activity has devastating effects on the health of people with COPD, asthma and cystic fibrosis.
- Physical activity should always be part of the management plan of people with chronic respiratory conditions.
About [insert details about your organisation]
If you choose to include quotes above, please also include the following information:
Healthy Lungs for Life is organised by the European Respiratory Society and European Lung Foundation.
Healthy Lungs for Life is a long-term health awareness campaign that focuses on prevention and public education, to try and reduce the burden of lung disease on society, and to use the ERS International Congress as the driving force behind the campaign.
About ERS
ERS is an international organisation that brings together physicians, healthcare professionals, scientists and other experts working in respiratory medicine. We are one of the leading medical organisations in the respiratory field, with a growing membership representing over 140 countries worldwide.
Our mission is to promote lung health in order to alleviate suffering from disease and drive standards for respiratory medicine globally. Science, education and advocacy are at the core of everything we do.
About ELF
The European Lung Foundation (ELF) was founded by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2000 with the aim of bringing together patients and the public with respiratory professionals to positively influence lung health.
ELF works to communicate the latest developments in lung health to people with lung conditions, the public, policymakers and the media. ELF also gives people with lung diseases and the general public the opportunity to influence lung health research and guidelines at the European level.