Do you have questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Are you feeling confused, nervous or just interested in learning more about the process? You are not alone! That’s why we’re bringing you the facts - from our partners at Buffalo Medical Group who are receiving, disseminating and following the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine. Join us as we interview Dr. Robert Zielinski, Associate Medical Director of Buffalo Medical Group Associate Medical Director of Buffalo Medical Group, a practicing medical oncologist and a Lung Association Leadership Board Member, as we cover common questions such as - what is the vaccine made out of? How does it actually help protect me? Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? What was the approval process for the vaccine? and so much more! We’ll also dive into implications for the future including wearing masks, herd immunity and the vaccination timeline.

If you haven’t yet - check out the Lung Association’s Vaccine Tracker! A one-stop platform for all of your vaccine FAQ’s, what’s been approved, roll-out phases and what’s coming down the pipeline, updated all in real time. To read more about Dr. Zielinski and his practice, click here!

Make sure to keep in touch with our team by joining our Facebook pages at LUNG FORCE Walk Buffalo, Fight for Air Climb Buffalo and Fight For Air Climb Rochester!

Help us kick-off our second season focused on lung disease trends, risk factors and commonalities in the WNY and local area by going behind the scenes of COVID-19 with Dr. Joseph Chow; Medical Director of WNY Immediate Care and President of TeamHealth Ambulatory Care! In this episode, we'll be starting from the beginning - taking a look at how one of our most popular WNY area medical centers was affected during the initial COVID outbreak. We will also be discussing everything that we have learned from there on by addressing rumors, describing what your "bubble" actually looks like and ways to stay safe and distanced, going over the common and unique symptoms that have been scientifically connected to COVID, the best ways to get tested, a look into our future with the COVID vaccine, and so much more! Visit this link to learn more about Dr. Chow and his work in the field!

WNY Immediate Care has locations in Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Orchard Park and Williamsville. To schedule a COVID test at WNY Immediate Care, visit: www.wnyimmediatecare.com/covid-19

You can also visit www.wnyimmediatecare.com/urgent-care-services for a full list of WNY Immediate Care services for patients in the community that are not related to COVID-19.

With questions or to make an appointment, please select the nearest location and call the number listed.

Make sure to join our LUNG FORCE Walk Facebook Group for episode releases, initiative updates and to see what we're doing in the area! With any questions, feedback, or episode suggestions - please email [email protected].

The LUNG FORCE Podcast is sponsored by Independent Health, a not-for-profit health plan that continually aims to provide our community with innovative health-related products and services, which enable affordable access to quality health care.

This week we will finish up our very first season of the LUNG FORCE Podcast Series by bringing you a conversation around an exciting topic and something you may not have heard of before - targeted therapies! Listen in as we hear from AstraZeneca Oncology representative, LUNG FORCE Committee Member and new Leadership Board Member, Paul Gorman on testing and treatment options and advancements! During this episode, we'll learn about the importance of molecular testing and the ins-and-outs of targeted therapies (treatments in the form of a pill that work on specific cancer mutations) including who is eligible for a targeted therapy treatment. It's so important to keep educating, funding and performing research around testing and treatment - and this episode is just one example why!

Learn more about AstraZeneca Oncology and their areas of expertise by visiting www.astrazeneca.com. 

As always, make sure to follow the LUNG FORCE Walk Buffalo Facebook Group for updates and information, and reach out to [email protected] for questions or to get in touch!

This month, we're talking lung cancer screening with Windsong Radiology - a designated Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology and a dedicated LUNG FORCE partner. Listen to hear one of our Leadership Board Members, Gina Fedele, as she informs us on the importance of lung cancer screening, high-risk criteria for free screening, lung cancer symptoms and concerns to bring up to your physician, the quick & painless procedure itself (low-dose CT scan) and her family's experience with lung disease. 

You can visit www.windsongwny.com to view more FAQ's and for a reminder of free lung cancer screening requirements. You can also find further information on lung cancer screening insurance questions on the American Lung Association's Lung Cancer Screening Insurance Checklist. 

Make sure to follow Windsong Radiology's Facebook page at Windsong Radiology Group PC, or if you would like to speak with somebody on their team, please call 716-631-2500. As always, you can get in touch with the Lung Association team by following our Facebook page at LUNG FORCE Walk Buffalo, or by emailing [email protected]!

Tune in to our second LUNG FORCE Walk Podcast Episode featuring one of our top fundraiser's and LUNG FORCE Walk Committee Co-Chair, Kristine Koenig as she talks about her passion towards raising awareness around lung cancer, her family's personal connection to lung cancer and her experiences and her goals for LUNG FORCE in the future! From Rochester, NY Kristine uses her voice and dedication to help LUNG FORCE reach further throughout WNY, and in this episode - you will find out why. 

We are always looking to grow our reach and give people the community and support that LUNG FORCE offers. If you're interested in becoming involved with LUNG FORCE from the Buffalo or Rochester area - or beyond, please reach out to [email protected]! Make sure to visit us on Facebook at LUNG FORCE Walk Buffalo and our website at http://LUNGFORCE.org/Buffalo.

Join us as we speak with LUNG FORCE Hero and founder of Take a Breath for Life Foundation - Michelle McMahon! Learn with us what lung cancer can feel like in it's early stages, what pieces of your journey are important to share with your doctor, a clinical trial success story and information about the 11th annual Take a Breath for Life 5K race!

The Take a Breath for Life Foundation raises funds and awareness for lung cancer research. Usually taking place at the Erie County Fairgrounds as a certified 5K, the race is taking a virtual form this year! Race where you are from November 1st - November 15th and consider donating to an important cause! Funds from this year's race will support the American Lung Association. Registration is $15, and the first 25 people who register before October 31st will earn an official event t-shirt! Register at https://takeabreathforlife5k.itsyourrace.com/register/.

Visit them on Facebook or Instagram at @TakeaBreathforLife or on their website, Takeabreathforlife.org.

The LUNG FORCE Podcast Series is sponsored by our Presenting Sponsor, Independent Health! Visit them at IndependentHealth.org