Free spirometry checks with Dr. Taylor-Walker

On November 21, Dr Caroline Taylor-Walker will be discussing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and providing free spirometry tests at Woolworths Torquay (cnr Bristol Road and Walker Street).

The team from Surf Coast Home Doctor (SCHD) will be there from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm for World COPD Day, handing out flyers and raising awareness for the progressive lung condition that results in obstruction of airflow in the breathing tubes or airways of the lungs.

COPD causes narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the lungs (sometimes called bronchi or airways), making it difficult to breathe but shortness of breath shouldn’t stop anyone from living their dreams.

COPD is an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma; it doesn’t discriminate affecting men, women, current smokers, ex-smokers and people who have never smoked.

The disease is progressive but targeted treatments and lifestyle changes are essential to ensure the condition is monitored with the aim to improve respiratory function and reduce the impact the condition has on quality of life.

Poor lung health affects one in four Australians, so take advantage of the free spirometry checks on November 21 or schedule an appointment with a Surf Coast Home Doctor GP.

Spirometry is a common, essential test used to assess how well your lungs work; a simple, but very important test for ages six and up that aids diagnosis of asthma, COPD and other conditions that affect breathing.

One in seven people over 40 have COPD, however, many don’t know they have it.

People often mistake their symptoms, such a shortness of breath as signs of ageing or lack of fitness, early diagnosis is critical to improving outcomes and quality of life.

Surf Coast Home Doctor is Torquay and surrounds only home visiting GP service, they have been operating since 2012 and service Anglesea to Torquay and up to Grovedale and everywhere in-between.

They believe in easy access, high-quality health care for all members of the community. Learn more about the service by dropping by on November 21 or phone 0478 957 890, alternatively head to surfcoasthomedoctor.com.au to schedule an appointment or find out more.