(Peoria, IL / November 8, 2012) – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects your lungs by blocking airflow as you exhale, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. An estimated 10 million people have been diagnosed with COPD while millions more go undiagnosed. In fact, COPD is the fourth most common cause of death in the U.S. and is a leading cause of illness worldwide.

November is COPD month and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is holding a COPD awareness event on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 8:00 AM until Noon at the RiverPlex in downtown Peoria.

Talk with members of the Outpatient Pulmonary Rehab team to learn more about COPD – symptoms, screening, prevention, and treatment.

Members of the media are welcome to cover this event and shed light on services available locally for an illness that affects many in our community. On-site contact during the event is Sara Shull.