In simple terms, lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that start off in the lungs and air passages. When these grow as tumors, they undermine the lung’s ability to provide the blood with oxygen
Hence, Transforming President (TP) Guia Lopez de Leon of the Rotary Club of San Pedro South (RCSPS) is conducting a project entitled “EPC: Empower, Promote and Cure.” This is an initiative to lower the cases of cancer in the Philippines.
E stands to EMPOWER THE PEOPLE WITH INFORMATION. As with any other form of cancer, early detection is the key to survival.
According to cancer.org, the most common symptoms of lung cancer are: cough that does not go away or coughing up blood, chest pain, hoarseness, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, feeling tired or weak, infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, new onset of wheezing, etcetera.
P is to PROMOTE IN SOCIAL MEDIA. TP Guia is encouraging everyone to form a “white ribbon” out of our cellphone cords or anything white and then post it in any social media platforms to promote greater awareness. White, as the color of purity and as a color of mourning for some, is the official color for the lung cancer awareness ribbon.
Together with Serbisyong May Puso and Alagang Kalusugan, Inc., the RCSPS family (consisting of the Rotaract Club of San Pedro South, Rotaract Club of San Pedro All Star and Interact Club of Adelina 1 National High School) is also launching “Project: RIBBONS.” This is giving away of free ribbons to individuals or organizations to raise an awareness to their chosen advocacy.
TP Guia also personally ordered hundreds of popular inspirational posters to encourage positive thoughts and feelings. These will be given for free to hospitals or clinics in the community. (You can also ask any member of RCSPS to print for your favorite quotation for free.)
C is to CARE NOT TO SMOKE. The most important thing one can do to prevent lung cancer is to care not to smoke. Smoking, be it active or passive, can cause cancer. Then, it even blocks the bodies from fighting it. In fact, nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking cigarettes. If one truly cares for his or her body, if one truly cares for his or her family and friends, then, staying away from cigarettes is the main key.
Finally, TP Guia is giving free spirometry tests this November. This common office test is used to assess how well our lungs work by measuring how much air we inhale and exhale, and how quickly we exhale.
Spirometry test is also used to diagnose asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions that affect breathing. For schedule, kindly send a text message to 09566176917.
Indeed, after Empowering, Promoting and Caring (EPC), Rotarians across the globe are here for Serving. And as true servants, Rotarians are expected to walk the talk and to be in good health… to be able to serve more and more.
Add Comment