April 4, 2007

Koppell Heads COPD Awareness Project

Grace Ann Koppel, wife of ABC's Nightline anchor Ted Koppel, leads a campaign to fight against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States annually. More than 120,000 people die from the disease each year-that's more than breast and lung cancer combined.

Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer recently aired an interview with Mrs. Koppel who described her diagnosis with COPD. Koppel explained the simple breathing test that diagnosed her illness-the very simple breathing test known as spirometry. The test is non-invasive, painless and available in every community across the country. Talk to your doctor or call the respiratory care department in your community hospital for information on where to obtain one.

Tune in to listen to Mrs. Koppel's advice on getting the test and living with COPD.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2972784