On the occasion of the celebration of World COPD Day, on November 18, the Lovexair Foundation and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. launch the #Laugh4lungs (#RespiraRiendo) campaign on social networks. The campaign is based on the power of laughter to improve social awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and raise funds for the three participating European organisations: lovexair, B (UK) and lung fund (Netherlands).

COPD is a debilitating lung disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. It represents the fourth most common cause of death worldwide, however, this disease is hardly known among the general public and people at risk of suffering from it. In other words, a significant number of people may be living with COPD without knowing it or without having received a correct diagnosis.

The campaign uses the universal language of laughter as a vehicle to promote greater awareness of COPD and raise funds to combat it. Laughter has numerous benefits for the health and well-being of people. However, many COPD patients are afraid of laughing because of the shortness of breath it can cause. The campaign wants to remind them that they are not alone in their fight against the disease.

How to participate

The initiative encourages people to share photos or videos of themselves or someone else laughing on social media, and tag them #Laugh4lungs or #BreatheLaughing. In addition, anyone can collaborate with the Lovexair Foundation through micro-donations, so that it continues working for the health of respiratory patients.

On the campaign websites http://lovexair.net/laugh4lungs and www.ICanLiveWithCOPD.com You can learn more about #Laugh4lungs, as well as more facts about the disease and practical advice for living with COPD.

Donations

Lovexair will invest your donations (3 Euros, 5 Euros or another amount) in a support service for the self-care of COPD patients, known as "Take care of your lungs", included within the Foundation's ComunitiCare project. It is a comprehensive educational program for these patients that includes respiratory physiotherapy and a Daily Care Plan supported by a patient follow-up and monitoring app. The service will be guided by a team of educators, supported by medical specialists.