Honoring our Veterans

Posted on November 11, 2015 |

15 Likes

We are deeply grateful to those who have sacrificed for our country to protect and uphold American ideals and freedom. We honor all military veterans today and extend a heartfelt “Thank You” for their service.

Veterans Day Did you know veterans face a higher risk of developing COPD?

You might be surprised to learn that:

Veterans are 3x more likely to develop COPD than the civilian population
COPD is the fourth most prevalent disease in the veteran population
COPD affects approximately 15% of Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare users

In the article, Fighting for Air: Veterans Face Higher Risk for Developing Lung Diseases the author COPD Foundation founder John W. Walsh, stated that COPD is a growing health concern for military veterans. He claimed that some soldiers have faced a barrage of respiratory exposure, such as:

Smoke from burn pits
Aerosolized metals and chemicals
Outdoor aeroallergens like date pollen
Indoor aeroallergens like mold aspergillus

With these environmental hazards in mind, we urge veterans who experience COPD symptoms to get an annual “spirometry,” or breathing test.

How many veterans do we have on COPD360social? Please share your story in the comments section below!

5 Comments

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BonBon

Fabiana, I loved your article. The Veterans & their problems are near & dear to my heart. I was a US Navy wife for 20 years, my husband (now X) did 4 tours off the coast of Nam at the height of the war. They worked 16 to 20 hours a day 7 days a week. He was exposed to numerous chemicals & other things I still can't mention. No-one can understand what they go through, unless your in the military family. They do this willingly for love of their country & so do the military families. God bless the USA.

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- tom nelson
  
  Bon Bon i just wanted to make a comment to the lady who was a Navy wife for 20 years. I did 2 tours in that HELL HOLEI understand all the things you feel and i'm sorry for the lost of your husband, I know he was a great sailor. I'm a former member of seal team 4 and i drying from AGENT ORANGE. God Bless YOU and YOUR FAMILY and the USA
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- Gretchen McCreary
  
  BonBon, my husband is an officer in the Army and has also done 4 tours between Afghanistan and Iraq...I worry about the future consequences from his tours. I am sure he is not done yet, given our global climate. I appreciate your participation here, not just for the vets but for all COPD'ers!
  
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- Fabiana Talbot
  
  Thank you all for your service <3. You're right, BonBon. No one can really understand the sacrifices. We are so appreciative.
  
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BonnieAdler - State Captain NJ

Great Article .. My father served in the Navy & I grew up as a military "BRAT" . Sorry for your loss
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