BDH Gives Free Lung Test
By: Melanie Holt, GPC-BDH | Photo By: Mhark Parchamento | Date: August 29, 2019
LOVE YOUR LUNGS. Guest respiratory therapist Mr. Joshua Agbayani assists a patient during the free spirometry or lung function test at Bacnotan District Hospital (BDH) in partnership with the La Union Medical Society (LUMS) on August 29, 2019 in celebration of the National Lung Month. A lecture about smoking and health was also conducted. Around 40 patients availed of the free service.
Around 40 patients benefitted from the free spirometry or lung function test at Bacnotan District Hospital (BDH), Bacnotan, La Union in partnership with the La Union Medical Society headed by Dr. Tess Verzosa, on August 29, 2019 in celebration of the National Lung Month.
A lecture about smoking and health was also conducted by Pulmonologist Dr. Guilvic Tirso Aspiras, resource speaker from Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, City of San Fernando, La Union.
In the lecture, Dr. Aspiras mentioned that 240 Filipinos die everyday due to diseases caused by smoking. The top four diseases are cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. He emphasized that cigarette is the only legal product used upon manufacturer’s instructions that will surely kill half of its users. He added that studies show some Filipino children start smoking at the age of seven.
He elaborated that cigarette smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals – more than 50 of which are known or suspected carcinogens, and has many potential irritants. Consequently, he said that for every stick of cigarette consumed, five to ten minutes are diminished from a smoker’s life while he/she also places innocent people around him/her in danger.
Dr. Aspiras then mentioned about the government’s action to protect its citizens through the Republic Act 9211 enacted in 2003 aimed to promote smoke-free areas; inform the public of the health risks of tobacco use; ban all tobacco advertisement and sponsorship and restrict promotions; regulate labelling of tobacco products; and protect the youth from being initiated to smoking.
Spirometry is a test to assess how well the lungs work by measuring how much air inhaled, how much air exhaled, and how quickly the air was exhaled.
