Welcome Medicare Nation!  Today’s guest from the American Lung Association is Dr. Norman Edelman.  Dr. Edelman has an years of experience that includes:
 
Norman H. Edelman, M.D. is Professor of Preventive Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Physiology and Biophysics at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. From 1996 - 2006, he served in a dual capacity as Vice President for Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Medicine at Stony Brook.  A graduate of Brooklyn College, Dr. Edelman received his M.D. degree from New York University, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society. He received postgraduate training at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and went on to be a Research Associate at the National Institutes of Health, National Heart Institute, and then Visiting Fellow in Medicine and Advanced Research Fellow of the American Heart Association, Cardiorespiratory Laboratory, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Presbyterian Hospital.
What is the American Lung Association?
It was founded originally to combat tuberculosis, and was quite successful in helping get it under control.  Now it concerns it’s with all lung diseases, an advocate for clean air, and smoking cessation.
What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the US, ahead of even obesity.  Stopping smoking can improve your healthy at any age.  Stopping the progression of the disease is important in order to prolong life.
Does Medicare cover Lung Cancer Screening?
Medicare recipients meeting certain criteria, Medicare will pay for a Lung Cancer Screening at no cost to you.  To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
 

If you smoked at least 30 pack years (a pack a day for 30 years)
If you stopped less than 15 yrs ago
55-77 years old

This screening can reduce death from lung cancer by 20%, by detecting nodules in the lungs.
 
COPD and Emphysema - what’s the difference?
They are both cause primarily by smoking and air pollution.  COPD is what used to be called chronic bronchitis.  They now are combined under one diagnosis for ease.
How does one get oxygen for home use?
A physician would determine that you don’t have enough oxygen in your blood when at rest, and then prescribe supplemental oxygen.  Physician would fill out a form that certifies this meets the Medicare criteria, and once this is done, oxygen would be provided at no charge.
What is Pulmonary Rehab and who needs it?
Teaching people how to breathe properly.  Allows people to exercise and condition your heart and muscles so that they require less oxygen to function.  This eases shortness of breath.  If you have chronic lung disease, you should ask your Doctor if you would benefit from pulmonary rehab.
What types of breathing exercises can improve lung function?
The incentive spirometer can be a great exercise to increase oxygen capacity.  Any form of cardio exercises will allow the lungs to improve.
Is there a correlation between early onset asthma and later stage COPD?
Asthma sufferers frequently progress into COPD.  Asthma is a broad term and really can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people.  They can be different in biology and in our ability to treat them.
How important is an inhaler with these diseases?
 
They can be life saving.  They are very effective for treating asthma and flare ups.  The American Lung Association is concerned about the affordability of inhalers.
 
Who are the lung disease specialists?
 
Start with your primary care physician.  They can then refer you to a Pulmonologist, who specializes in treating lung diseases.
What diseases does the American Lung Association help with?
Pulmonary fibrosis
Lung cancer
Infectious lung diseases
Allergic lung diseases
They also have a helpline and the number is on the website.  
The website is a treasure trove of information - www.lung.org
 
Freedom from Smoking - Smoking Cessation program.  Best treatment  combin