COPD Foundation Unveils Motion Simulator Capsule
May 6, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact:
CPR for COPD Foundation
Ihor Andruch
201.641.1911 ×50
Virtual Journey Inside Human Body Reveals Ravages of Smoking and Air Pollution on Lung Tissue
International Conference: American Thoracic Society, May 14-19, 2010, New Orleans, LA
WASHINGTON, D.C./NEW ORLEANS, L.A.– May 6, 2010 – Using a 20-seat state-of-the-art mobile motion simulator called COPD Shuttle: Journey to the Center of the Lung, the COPD Foundation harnesses the power of immersive innovation to take riders on a five-minute microscopic journey into the human body and witness the devastating effects of smoking and other pollutants on lung tissue. The inaugural journey of the capsule carrying the COPD Foundation’s message of awareness and prevention is scheduled during the International Conference of American Thoracic Society, May 14-19, 2010, New Orleans, LA.
“The COPD Shuttle, which can seat up to 2,000 per day, makes viewers feel as if they are inside the body, offering a rare glimpse into the lungs, heightening their understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and providing a catalyst for thousands to seek assessment and treatment,” says John Walsh, president of the COPD Foundation, noting that the ATS Conference is the first stop in a vast national tour for this educational tool. “During the multimedia immersive ride experience, viewers traverse the globe in rapid sequence, learning of the toxic smoke, dust particles, and chemical fumes that enter the lungs and cause progressive and often debilitating deterioration of lung function.”
Mounted on a custom-built tractor/trailer, this new platform for virtual demonstration couples stunning high-definition imagery and surround-sound audio with precise, computer-driven motion control. As the journey continues inside the lungs, viewers observe the inflammation, collapse and destruction of the bronchiole airways and alveoli, marked by increased breathing difficulty and chronic coughing. Over the next year, the COPD Foundation will use the simulator to increase awareness of lung diseases at health fairs, schools, sporting events, and other public gatherings. On-site screenings for lung diseases are available at select locations and times.
“Some participants might find it alarming to learn the distressing statistics about the scope of COPD,” says Walsh. “But they will also learn some valuable lessons and uncover potential ways to recognize and limit the effects of the disease.”
Walsh points to the COPD Foundation’s significant investment of time and resources to bring this message to the American public, adding, “We’ve taken pleasure in creating this program. Our goal is to highlight health risks and contributing factors to lung disease, with an ongoing focus on preventive care, timely diagnosis and enhanced therapy for individuals whose lives are impacted by COPD.”
In addition to the COPD Shuttle launch, the COPD Foundation is hosting a “COPD Education Day,” Saturday, May 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. There will be short seminars on various topics about COPD, including the importance of quitting smoking, how the air in environments such as the work place can affect lung health, and tips on living healthy with COPD. More information is available on the COPD Foundation calendar.
About COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only chronic disease growing in mortality. It affects approximately 24 million Americans but only 12 million are diagnosed. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and adult onset (refractory) asthma. Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, and chronic coughing. Visit http://www.copdfoundation.org or call 1-866-316-COPD (2673).