COPD Learn More Breathe Better® Risk Factors Video

Script:

The host comes full screen. He is a male around the age of 45 to 55. He is a “NASCAR dad”-type of guy, plain spoken and likeable, dressed in khakis and plaid shirt. We see he is at a lunch counter in a diner.

Host:

COPD most often affects people 40 and over who are either current smokers or former smokers, like me.

Hey, thanks, Anna!

Waitress has written risk factors on “daily specials” board.

COPD Risk Factors:
Smoking
Environmental Exposure
Genetic Factors

Host:

It can also occur in people that have had long-term exposure to things in their environment that can irritate the lungs, and in some people, COPD is caused by a genetic condition, even if they’ve never smoked.

Diane:

I began smoking as a teenager. Both of my parents smoked.

Dottie:

I was in printing, which caused part of the COPD problem, the chemicals. The smoking, I’m sure, was the agitator all along.

Peter:

When I finally stopped smoking, realizing that I had to stop, I was smoking almost two packs a day.

Diane:

You always think, “it’s not gonna be me, you know. It’s not me, it’s gonna be somebody else.”

Peter:

I thought I was in the clear. I had already quit smoking when I was diagnosed with COPD.

Host:

So if you smoke now or if you’ve ever smoked, even years ago, or you’ve been exposed to fumes or chemicals, or you have any of the symptoms that we talked about earlier, you might be at risk for COPD. Talk to your doctor and get tested.

And remember, if you’re one of the millions of American dealing with this disease, you’re not alone.

Visit www.learnaboutcopd.org for a lot more information and ways to find help.