ATS Members Encouraged to Participate in World Spirometry Day

The ATS is participating in World Spirometry Day (WSD) 2012, which raises awareness of lung health and disease by promoting the use of spirometry. Events are held around the world by medical professionals, and spirometry is made freely available in general practices, hospital foyers, and public venues to anyone who wants to have their lungs tested. At the first WSD in 2010, more than 100,000 tests were performed.

WSD, which is organized by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with the European Lung Foundation (ELF), will be launched this year on June 27th and will run through the beginning of the Olympic Games on July 27th. In the spirit of this Olympic year, this year’s WSD campaign focuses on sport and the lungs.

ATS members can join in this initiative by either holding a spirometry testing event in the month leading up to the Olympics (resources are available on the WSD Web Site www.wsd2012.european-lung-foundation.org for organizing testing events), or, for those who are unable to hold a testing event, holding an event to teach other respiratory experts how to conduct spirometry tests. By running a training session, you will help raise awareness of the worldwide burden of lung disease and increase the chances of early diagnosis of lung conditions. Running a training session is also a good way to refresh your own skills. Materials for running a spirometry training event are also available on the WSD Web site.

The ATS encourages members to consider running or participating in a WSD event this year.