![]() Gerber Memorial Promotes Lung Health Event Fremont-Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial will share tips and information about lung health and respiratory illnesses with the community on Thursday, March 9, as part of its Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies community series. James Hoekwater, DO, pulmonary medicine at Gerber Memorial, will discuss lung diseases, screenings, how your hobbies and habits affect your lungs and how to help keep your lungs healthy from 6:30 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m. at Tamarac, 1401 West Main Street, Fremont. “Respiratory diseases can arise from a number of causes, including inhalation of toxic agents, accidents, and harmful lifestyles, such as smoking. Infections, genetic factors, and anything else that affects... ![]() ...lung development, either directly or indirectly, can cause respiratory symptoms,” Hoekwater said. “We hope to share useful information for families so they can proactively take steps to enjoy good lung health, which can improve their overall wellbeing. Because of the important information we look forward to sharing, we encourage everyone in our community to join us for this event.” The event comes on the eve of national Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week March 12-18, which shines a spotlight on people who suffer from chronic obstruction pulmonary disease, or COPD, and other lung diseases while celebrating treatments and care that can improve lives. From radon in the home to second-hand and even third-hand smoke, the air can affect everyone, their kids, pets and family. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the second-leading cause of lung cancer is radon, a naturally occurring gas that comes from rocks and dirt and can get trapped in houses and buildings. Newaygo County has among the highest rates of smoking in Michigan, at 26 percent, and more than 29 percent of pregnant women in the county smoke, both significantly higher than the state average, said Sally Wagoner, RN, who coordinates Gerber Memorial’s smoking cessation programs. “Quitting tobacco use is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed,” Wagoner said. “Our March session on lung health is designed to help people find ways to enjoy good health, through stronger, healthier lungs.” In the United States, the prevalence of asthma has increased from 7.3 percent to 8.4 percent from 2001 to 2010. In a 2014 study of Michigan residents, 15.3 percent of adults and 14.2 percent of children reported that they have had asthma. Hobbies such as woodworking and milling as well as heating with indoor wood heat and pellets play a factor in lung health and the HMHB session will explore how people can engage in those activities safely. According to CDC data, Michigan was one of the top ten states with the highest percentage of people who have been told by a doctor that they have COPD at 7.4 percent. Awareness about major respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma and lung cancer are essential to diagnosis, patient treatment and support. The event will also feature additional information for tobacco and nicotine cessation programs, smokerlyzer CO testing, measuring the amount of carbon monoxide on a smoker’s breath and information for people who may be candidates for low dose computer tomography (LDCT) scan, which assists in the early detection of lung cancer. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited and child watch is available with a reservation. To register, call 231.924.3073.
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