Knowing what to notice.

(NC)—Getting older, doesn't mean slowing down. Many patients with the debilitating lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), mistakenly think that shortness of breath is a natural sign of aging – but this is not the case!

If you experience shortness of breath or are worried about your lung health, take this quick test:

Yes No

Are you a smoker or former smoker 40 years of age or older? Yes No

Do you have a cough with mucus that doesn't go away? Yes No

Do you get a lot of chest infections? Yes No

Do you get short of breath when doing a simple activity like climbing stairs? Yes No

If you answered yes to being a smoker or ex-smoker and one of any other question, you may be at risk for COPD. See your doctor and visit www.copdhelp.ca for more information.

- News Canada