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News Releases
Saskatchewan children lacking in care for lung diseases
Saskatoon, June 15, 2009. An external report on pediatric respiratory medicine released today shows that lung specialist care for Saskatchewan children lags far behind national standards.
Share the Air Raffle winner is a Prince Albert Resident!
Thursday, June 5 - The Lung association of Saskatchewan in partnership with SaskEnergy, is delighted with the success of the eighth annual Share The Air Raffle.
SHARE The Air Raffle takes place TOMMORROW!
Thursday, June 5 - all of the lucky prize winners of the eighth annual Share the Air Raffle will be drawn, including the grand prize winner of up to $140,000 in tax-free cash. The draw will take place at SaskEnergy’s head office located at 1777 Victoria Avenue (Regina) – Gallery Room. The official program begins at 1:30 pm.
World No Tobacco Day
Thursday, May 31 - Saskatoon-The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2009 is "Tobacco Health Warnings", with an emphasis on the picture warnings that have increased the awareness of health risks.
National Sleep Awareness Week – a wake-up call for those who may not be getting a good night’s sleep
February 23, 2009 - When you turn your clocks ahead one hour on March 8th, turn your attention to how well you sleep. Do you have sleep apnea?
(Ottawa) – When the clocks “spring forward” on March 8th, we can expect longer days, brighter evenings and the loss of an hour’s sleep. For many, adjusting to the loss of sleep can be difficult. However, for the estimated one million Canadians who suffer from sleep apnea, and who may not know it, a sleepless night can lead to major health problems.
Saskatoon - Deliver a Breath of Spring!
Feb 12, 2009 - The Lung Association of Saskatchewan’s Breath of Spring Tulip Campaign will take place February 24th & 25th in Saskatoon. During this time, volunteers will be delivering fresh flowers to all the businesses that placed an order. Last year's campaign raised over $45,000 provincially to help people with lung disease.
Deliver a Breath of Spring!
Feb 5, 2009 - The Lung Association of Saskatchewan’s Breath of Spring Tulip Campaign will take place February 17th & 18th in Regina. During this time, volunteers will be delivering fresh flowers to all the businesses that placed an order. Last year's campaign raised over $45,000 provincially to help people with lung disease.
It’s Time for a Breath of Spring Saskatoon!
Saskatoon, Jan 7 -- It’s that time of year once again. The Lung Association of Saskatchewan would like to bring you a Breath of Spring by delivering fresh tulips to your door.
It’s Time for a Breath of Spring Regina!
Regina, Jan 7 -- It’s that time of year once again. The Lung Association of Saskatchewan would like to bring you a Breath of Spring by delivering fresh tulips to your door.
Regina Resident WINS the 2008 Stamp Out Asthma Raffle
Saskatoon, December 8 -- The official draw ceremonies for the 2008 Stamp Out Asthma Raffle took place Friday, December 5 at The Lung Association of Saskatchewan provincial office in Saskatoon.
Healthy Holiday Tips for Our Residents with COPD
Saskatoon, December 1--The month of December is an exciting time of year when we spend more time on social activities with family and friends and preparing for the holidays. Unfortunately, during this special season we also see a peak in the number of people with COPD making emergency room visits or being admitted to hospital.
Healthy Tips for Ghosts ‘N’ Goblins with ASTHMA
Saskatoon, October 27--With the sounds of “Trick or Treat – smell my feet, Give me something good to eat,” right around the corner it is important for parents with children with asthma to take these extra precautions to ensure their children have a safe and fun Hallowe’en.
Lung Association Calls on Party Leaders to Talk About Environment, Lung Health
Ottawa, September 30, 2008. The Lung Association today called on federal political parties to spend this week of the election campaign debating the health effects of dirty air.
This election, vote for action on lung health
Ottawa. Sep 18 – The Lung Association today launched its cross-Canada election effort designed to raise awareness of lung disease during the course of the federal election. Activities will include an online e-advocacy website connecting Canadians with their riding candidates as well as analysis of party platforms to measure their commitment to improving the lung health of Canadians.
Get Your Ticket to Share The Air!
March 3, 2008 - The Lung Association of Saskatchewan, in conjunction with our corporate partner, SaskEnergy, would like to announce that tickets officially go on sale today for the 2008 Share The Air Raffle (Lottery License #L07-0528). You could have an exciting summer if you win the grand prize of up to $140,000 in tax-free cash!
“He shoots, he scores!”
Regina, February 28, 2008--When we hear that phrase we immediately know that the topic is hockey, Canada's favorite sport. Whether a group of children are gathering for a game of shinny on a backyard pond on a crisp winter day or fans at a stadium to watch a professional team, they are ready to enjoy an activity that has deep roots in Saskatchewan.
GLEN SCRIMSHAW, ROBERT BATEMAN, YVONNE KYDD, VAL MOKER, CYNDI TASCHE, CARMEN HEINRICHS, and DAN REID donate works of art to The Lung Association to promote lung health in Saskatchewan!
Regina, February 18 – Seven renowned artists, Glen Scrimshaw, Robert Bateman, Yvonne Kydd, Val Moker, Cyndi Tasche, Carmen Heinrichs, and Dan Reid have teamed up with The Lung Association to promote lung health for our residents.
Saskatchewan Youth Score Highest on Reported Smoking Rates Nationally
SASKATOON, January 22, 2008--The latest Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) statistics for the first half of 2007 show that Saskatchewan continues to have the highest provincial rate of smoking amongst residents aged 15 and over. The Saskatchewan rate is 25% compared to the national average of 19%.
Broncos’ Lung Association Night Raises $855.00
Swift Current, Dec 3, 2007 - The Swift Current Broncos announced on Monday that the Lung Association Night, which was held November 20th at the Broncos home game against the Calgary Hitmen, raised $855.00 for the Saskatchewan Lung Association.
Lung Association of Saskatchewan launches Campaign for Lung Health
- Party leaders asked to take strong stand on lung health policy
Saskatoon, October 19, 2007: – The Lung Association of Saskatchewan today launched its election action centre designed to raise awareness of the significant lung health issues facing Saskatchewan residents. At the same time, the Association also sent a questionnaire to the 3 main political party leaders regarding their stance on various lung health issues.Regina Resident WINS The Lung Association’s 2007 SHARE THE AIR RAFFLE
Regina, June 11th - The Lung Association of Saskatchewan, in partnership with SaskEnergy, is delighted with the success of the sixth annual Share the Air Raffle.
World No Tobacco Day 2007: Quit, before your time runs out!
Ottawa – To mark May 31, 2007, World No Tobacco Day 2007, The Lung Association today launched its campaign urging Canadians to “Quit, before your time runs out”. The campaign includes a public service announcement that will run on major media outlets, as well as a supplement in major newspapers urging Canadians to improve their lives by butting out.
Erik's Run For Kids with Asthma
SASKATOON, May 23, 2007 -- Erik Olson is just like any other 11 year old – he loves to run and is on his school’s cross country team. One huge difference is that Erik has a big heart. When a boy he was running against in a cross country meet had to stop running because of his asthma, Erik wondered if there was anything he could do to help.
Jan Haffner Receives Unique Initiative Award
Saskatoon, April 28, 2007 This award is presented at the discretion of the Awards Committee to a Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association member or group of physical therapists who have shown initiative to contribute to health care in an innovative or unique way. The award was established in 2003 and is only awarded when an opportunity to recognize an extraordinary effort has presented itself, not necessarily on an annual basis. Jan is the third recipient of this award.
Canadians Have a 40% Risk of Developing Asthma before Age 40
Ottawa – To mark May 1st ~ World Asthma Day 2007, The Lung Association today cited statistics that show an individual Canadian has a 40 percent risk of developing asthma prior to age 40. The figures come from a study entitled “The Burden of Asthma in Ontario” and conducted by Canadian researcher, Dr. Teresa To of The Hospital for Sick Children. The study was published by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and examined the total lifetime risk of developing asthma before the age of 40.
Saskatchewan Residents win valuable works of art in theLung Association’s ARTWORKS FOR LUNG HEALTH campaign
Saskatoon, April 24th – The Lung Association is always looking for ways to express ‘thanks and appreciation’ to our many donors that support lung health initiatives in Saskatchewan. Eight years ago we developed the ArtWorks For Lung Health Campaign to say a heartfelt thanks to our many patrons. Each year we invite our donors to enter a draw to win beautiful pieces of art. No donation or payment of any kind is necessary to participate in this annual campaign. This year we were privileged to have artists Yvonne Kydd, Val Moker, Glen Scrimshaw, Robert Bateman, Cyndi Tasche, and Carmen Heinrichs donate spectacular, limited edition prints to the campaign.
Regina patrons are honored at The Lung Association's Annual General Meeting
Regina, April 17 – The Lung Association’s annual general meeting took place on Friday, April 13. Regina was the gathering place for a host of special guests, dignitaries, volunteers, board members and staff. We were delighted that His Honour, Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon L. Barnhard, an honorary patron of the Lung Association, and Health Minister Len Taylor were in attendance. “The Lung Association relies on the support of the Government of Saskatchewan, many community partners and volunteers to address the respiratory health needs of our diverse Saskatchewan population,” says Lung Association President & CEO, Brian Graham. “This annual event allows our Association to not only recognize the contribution of our partners but to celebrate our successes.”
The Lung Association Welcomes a New Board Member – Dr. Jo-Ann Episkenew from the First Nations University
Saskatoon, April 13th – The Lung Association of Saskatchewan is delighted to announce that Dr. Jo-Ann Episkenew, Associate Professor or English at the First Nations University of Canada, has been elected to join our volunteer Board of Directors. “Dr. Episkenew’s unique qualifications make her an asset to our organization as we address the respiratory health needs of our diverse Saskatchewan population,” says the Lung Association’s President & CEO, Brian Graham.
“Lung diseases, such as tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continue to cause First Nations and Métis people much suffering,” states Dr. Episkenew. I am grateful for this opportunity to better understand diseases of the lungs, their effects within the Aboriginal community, and how to best meet these challenges.” TB Anywhere is TB Everywhere
Saskatoon, March 21st – In 2005, there were 8.8 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) and 1.6 million people died from TB, equal to an estimated 4,400 deaths a day.
Most of the cases of TB in the world can be cured by taking a combination of four drugs for six months. These four drugs are called the first-line drugs and there are only four of them.
However, one in ten new cases of TB is resistant to at least one first-line drug. Cases that are resistant to two or more drugs are labelled multi-drug resistant or MDR-TB. The treatment for such cases uses second-line drugs which are not as effective and must be taken for a year or more. Second-line drugs have more toxic side effects than first-line drugs and are much more expensive.
Christmas Seals – A Legacy of Hope
Saskatoon, December 21st – As the week before Christmas draws to a close and we prepare for festivities with family and friends, the Board of Directors and staff at The Lung Association are mindful of the many blessings that have made it possible for us to serve the people of Saskatchewan with lung disease.
We are wrapping up our annual Christmas Seals Campaign and are pleased to report that we are currently at 95% of our campaign goal. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and media partners for helping to promote this campaign, we are optimistic that we will exceed $215,000.
Saskatoon, SK, November 15, 2006 -- A groundbreaking report released today by the Canadian Lung Association shows that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has emerged as a “crucial women’s health issue.”
More than 425,000 women in Canada have been diagnosed with this devastating breathing disease, and more than 4,300 die every year, according to the most recent statistics in the report. More so the report indicates that appropriate screening for the disease is unacceptably low.
SASKATOON, November 7, 2006 - This year’s star and ambassador for the Lung Association’s Christmas Seals Campaign is a young lady named Paige.
Paige was just a few weeks old when her anxious parents rushed her to the emergency ward for the first time. Paige was having difficulty breathing. For this young couple, seeing their new daughter breathing normally was the greatest gift of all!
Saskatoon , September 18, 2006 - For many residents in Saskatchewan, the end of summer means that the distraction associated with summer holidays in the workplace is over for another year. If there are school age children in the home, it means gathering school supplies, digging out fall clothes and establishing back-to-school routines.
If you have a child with asthma, there is an added consideration. The return to classes can also mean the increased risk of asthma episodes and worsening asthma control. This increase starts after the return to school and reaches its peak about the third week in September. It is commonly referred to as the September Effect or September Asthma Peak. In a study conducted by the Lung Association, 16% - 21% of our school children, in grades 1 to 6, have asthma.
June 6 - In too many places in Canada, more warm summer days also mean more smoggy days. Exposure to smog is bad for your health. New evidence published today confirms the direct association between levels of outdoor air pollution and health effects in children.
There is extensive epidemiological, or population-level, evidence that indicates that exposure to air pollution is associated with reduced lung function and increases asthma attacks in children. While such population studies are useful in showing the association between air pollution and lung health, a new study has provided direct evidence of this effect in children. Researchers in the United Kingdom have now shown that increasing pollution levels result in more carbon particles in the lungs and reduced lung function in children.
Regina, June 9th - The Lung Association of Saskatchewan, in partnership with SaskEnergy, is delighted with the success of the fifth annual Share the Air Raffle.
SaskEnergy's relationship with The Lung Association of Saskatchewan is unique in that both organizations promote a healthy environment in the province. Natural gas is the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels and therefore creates a natural fit for the corporation to partner with the Lung Association of Saskatchewan.
Saskatoon , June 1, 2006 - June heralds the Lung Association's annual Asthma & Allergies Residential Canvass. During our June 1 - 7 blitz days, thousands of dedicated volunteer canvassers will be hitting the streets in communities across Saskatchewan, inviting people to donate to the Lung Association.
Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by one or a combination of the following breathing problems: cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. In Saskatchewan, 16 - 21% of school age children and 7.5% of the adult population are affected by asthma. This serious lung disease is the leading cause of emergency room visits in children aged one to four.
Tobacco: Deadly in any form or disguise
SASKATOON : May 31, 2006. Every year the World Health Organization invites people all over the world to focus on issues related to tobacco or health on this special day, May 31, which has been designated by the World Health Assembly as World No-Tobacco Day.
April 23, 1945 - May 22, 2006
The Lung Association recognizes the passing of Heather Crowe, on Monday May 22, 2006. Ms Crowe died at age 61 of lung cancer. Heather never smoked a day in her life, but spent 40 years working as a waitress in smoke-filled environments.
Saskatoon , April 25, 2006 The Lung Association is always looking for ways to express thanks and appreciation to the many donors that support lung health initiatives in Saskatchewan. Seven years ago we developed the ArtWorks For Lung Health Campaign to say a heartfelt thanks to our many patrons. We invite our donors to enter a draw to win one of four beautiful pieces of art. No donation or payment of any kind is necessary to participate. This year we were privileged to have artists Yvonne Kydd, Val Moker, Glen Scrimshaw, and Robert Bateman donate spectacular, limited edition prints to the campaign.
The ArtWorks for Lung Health draw took place at our Saskatoon regional office on April 24 and here are our big winners! Saskatoon residents Ken Theis and F. James Steel won limited edition prints, Guiding Lights by Glen Scrimshaw and When Wheat Was King - Indian Head in 1902 by Yvonne Kydd, Leoville resident, Adeline D. Warkentin won Val Moker's Chateau Poppies and D. Ronald Bell of Humboldt won Winter Barnyard by Robert Bateman.
Saskatoon, March 20, 2006--For many people with asthma, cigarette smoke is a trigger for an episode of difficult breathing which in the past was called an asthma attack. Therefore, it is surprising that the rate of smoking among people with asthma is almost the same as the rest of the population. In addition to the numerous usual risks associated with cigarette smoke seen in smokers without asthma, smokers with asthma have increased asthma-related problems. Now new research shows they are in for even more problems.
A Quebec study published recently in the medical journal Chest found that smokers with asthma show early signs of COPD at the relatively young age of 30 with only 14 pack-years of smoking. This research was conducted by a team from Laval University headed by Dr. Louis-Philippe Boulet. They examined the airways in the lungs of both smokers and non-smokers with asthma using high resolution CT scans. They found early signs of COPD in the smokers with asthma but not in the nonsmokers.
Regina, February 14 - Four renowned artists, Glen Scrimshaw, Robert Bateman, Yvonne Kydd and Val Moker, have teamed up with The Lung Association to promote lung health for our residents.
The ArtWorks for Lung Health Campaign is limited to supporters of The Lung Association. It is an opportunity for our Board of Directors and Staff to thank the many people who have given to The Lung Association by inviting them to participate in a draw for four spectacular pieces of art. No donation or payment of any kind is necessary to participate, although we do invite our donors to renew their support to The Lung Association. In Saskatoon on April 24, 2006 four entries will be drawn randomly from all entries.
Quito, Ecuador August 29, 2005
Canada won praise from leading international health experts for its success in fighting tuberculosis at the Sixth Annual Meeting of StopTB in the Americas, which was held in Quito, Ecuador, Aug 23-26, 2005.
Led by the Canadian Lung Association (CLA) with funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the StopTB program in Ecuador is a model for successful TB control. When the project began in 2000, Ecuador had the worst TB control program in the Americas. As a result of the Canadian project, Ecuador is now well on its way to having a model program in the Americas. The main thrust of the project is to implement the DOTS strategy for TB control as promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Saskatoon , August 23, 2005 - Thanks to a Lung Association partnership including health regions, industry and the medical school, new programs will be implemented to help the 32,000 Saskatchewan residents living with COPD. “Our partners in this new project are the Saskatoon Health Region, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, VitalAire and the Department of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. †announced Brian Graham, President and CEO of the Lung Association. Funding for the project will exceed one-half million dollars.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a silent and progressive lung disease that will be one of the main causes of disability and the third leading cause of death in the next 10 to 15 years. COPD refers to a group of diseases that are characterized by airflow limitation in the airways of the lungs such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD usually remains undetected until people experience shortness of breath at rest or with mild exercise. It slowly takes people's breath away and eventually restricts the ability to perform normal daily activities. Currently it is the second leading cause of hospitalization for Saskatchewan seniors. COPD killed more women last year than breast cancer.
Ottawa August 18, 2005 - Just a few days after the release of encouraging statistics on the reduction of smoking rates in Canada, Heather Crowe has been admitted to the Queensway-Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, where she has learned that her lung cancer is no longer in remission.
Heather worked as a waitress for 40 years. She did so in a smoke filled environment in order to support herself and her family. Although she never smoked, Heather is dying of lung cancer caused by second-hand smoke. She has been a tireless advocate for smoke-free workplaces, traveling across the country to meet with government officials, health workers, patients, and community activists in her quest to protect workers from tobacco smoke. She was the driving force behind a Health Canada media campaign to promote smoke-free workplaces and the importance of occupational health and safety.
Saskatoon , August 16, 2005 - For immediate release
The Lung Association of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that $50,000 will be provided for the COPD professorship at the Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. For the second year in a row, GlaxoSmithKline has contributed $25,000 toward the professorship.
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - a term for a class of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which make breathing very difficult.
World Asthma Day is May 3, 2005
SASKATOON, May 3, 2005 - Asthma rates continue to soar both in Canada and abroad. In Saskatchewan alone, 45,000 children and 55,000 adults suffer from this chronic lung condition and on a global scale, a staggering 300 million people suffer from asthma. By 2025, as a result of growing urbanization and increasing environmental pollutants, an additional 100 million people will suffer from asthma. This common, chronic lung disease affects people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic levels.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways (the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs). People with asthma constantly suffer from varying degrees of inflammation and muscle constriction of the airways. This chronic inflammation causes the lining of the airways to become hyper-responsive to a variety of stimuli, especially allergens and irritants.
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