Catalog of Interviews and Bits

One Quarter of People with COPD Downplay their Condition:

Two-Way Conversations are Key to Successfully Managing COPD

NOVEMBER MARKS COPD AWARENESS MONTH

If simple activities are leaving you out of breath, you may want to reconsider the reason why. By the time 80 percent of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, receive their first diagnosis, they already have moderate to severe symptoms, and have lost significant lung capacity. Many people don’t realize the severity of their symptoms, and attribute being out of breath to aging or being out of shape. In fact, nearly half of all primary care physicians say the biggest barrier to COPD diagnosis is that patients do not fully report their symptoms.

Even after diagnosis, many downplay their condition when speaking to caregivers and doctors. One quarter of patients who say they have experienced common COPD symptoms say they haven't mentioned these symptoms to their provider, which can lead to inadequate disease management.1

People with COPD can be left with feelings of loss, frustration or sadness because they can’t do things they used to. Understanding the severity of their COPD and giving their doctor a full picture about their condition is important so they receive proper treatment and can effectively manage their condition.

Candyce Norris, COPD Patient and Dr. David Mannino, US Respiratory Expert at GSK and former chief science officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Air Pollution and Respiratory Health branch, will be available to bring awareness and understanding of COPD to your audience, and outline ways to manage the often-challenging symptoms of COPD, both physically and mentally, and showcase that patients can take an active approach to managing the disease.

COPD affects about 27 million people in the US, with about half of those afflicted waiting months and sometimes years before receiving a proper diagnosis. Viewers seeking further information will be directed to the COPDFoundation.org.

INTERVIEW WITH:

David Mannino, MD, US Expert GSK, former chief science officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Air Pollution and Respiratory Health branch

Candyce Norris, 63-year-old COPD patient, mother and wife. Both of her parents died from COPD and her sister is also currently diagnosed with COPD.

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS:

DAVID MANNINO, MD

Why don’t patients open up about their symptoms to their doctors?

How important is

Brig. Gen. Robert S. Spalding (USAF Ret.), s a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, focusing on U.S.-China relations, economic and national security, and the Asia-Pacific military balance. He is the author of the upcoming book, "Stealth War: How China Took Over While America's Elite Slept."

About Richard Kuritz:

Richard Kuritz Is a Political Scientist, Writer, PR Strategist and Carpenter.

He is an unapologetic New Yorker who transplanted his tribe from the NY tundra to San

Diego sunshine over three decades ago.

His background includes securities, finance, construction and elected office.

Currently, Rich works as a Media Relations Specialist, bringing experts to media around

the country.

Richard’s independent perspective on America crosses party lines and is anchored in

common sense and the Constitution. He resides in the San Diego sunshine with his

high school sweetheart, his fantastic dog and has too many books-in-progress. His

commentary is found in columns, national magazines and on radio across the country.