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Association Josiane Salone
United Against COPD
Founded in 2017, the association “Josiane Salone, united against COPD” aims to sensitize public authorities to the crucial importance of early detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), while also striving to raise public awareness about this condition.
A Public Health Issue
Pulmonary diseases are a major global health concern, causing approximately one in six deaths, similar to the early 20th century. Among them, COPD is a silent disease that progresses slowly without causing symptoms.
Double the silence, COPD is both unknown to patients and largely underdiagnosed by the medical community. It is constantly on the rise, with worrying statistics, posing a significant challenge.
Let us remember: COPD has no curative treatment, which underscores the importance of early detection to slow its irreversible progression and prevent the gradual isolation the disease can cause.
We are advocating for the introduction of incentive legislation and the expansion of medical staff competencies to ensure that this 'simple act' of COPD screening becomes widely available, accessible to all, and as routine as measuring blood pressure or temperature.
It is essential to move beyond the sole focus on smoking, as the exponential rise in COPD cases among non-smokers clearly demonstrates.
Our Commitment to Public Health
In response to our advocacy efforts with public authorities on the critical importance of COPD and the need to promote its screening, this cause has been brought before both the National Assembly and the Senate, now receiving the support of several deputies and senators.
These efforts have also contributed to the development of new health recommendations, further highlighting the urgency of addressing this disease within public policy frameworks.
Committed to Our Cause
Understanding COPD
Some of you never may have heard of COPD.
This scourge predominantly affects women and baby boomers, reflecting a distorted image of freedom and emancipation, reminiscent of the Cassandra-like warning about the pleasure they indulged in without fear or regret: smoking.
Indeed, the primary cause of COPD is smoking tobacco.
COPD: Test Yourself
The symptoms of COPD, such as breathlessness, coughing, and expectoration, are now widely recognized.
This COPD test provides everyone with the opportunity for an anonymous and free screening.
It is important to note that this test is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Beyond Smoking
Although often associated with smoking, COPD also affects non-smokers, accounting for nearly 20% of cases. These alarming figures surpass those of certain more common diseases and causes of death, underscoring the magnitude of this condition.
This observation highlights the importance of considering other risk factors, particularly in major urban areas: urban pollution, environmental hazards, genetic predispositions, and occupational exposure to toxic substances.
It is therefore essential to dispel the misconception that only smokers are affected by this disease.
Under the Lights
From the world of entertainment to politics, many public figures have been or are affected by COPD, often publicly referred to as having "pulmonary emphysema," one of the most well-known manifestations of the disease. Yet, the term COPD remains seldom mentioned.
Whether it affects international stars or anonymous individuals, COPD makes no distinction. However, due to the general lack of awareness about the disease and its negative image—often seen as guilt-inducing and far from glamorous—few public figures dare to speak about it openly. The frequent mention of emphysema, coupled with common comorbidities, thus limits efforts for awareness and early diagnosis.
As Michele Delaunay, former French Minister, lamented: “For decades, smoking has been synonymous with emancipation, particularly for women. It may sound harsh, but I wish for women to be free, independent, and not to squander the longevity they have earned through their resilience and determination at every stage of their lives.”
Times have changed, and so have customs: what was once seen as a symbol of freedom has proven to be a false friend—a cruel trap.
That tobacco, which once promised to scatter the petals of youth in the winds of emancipation, has instead driven millions of men and women into illness and death.
“1000 Solidarity Breaths” Collective
Together, let's bring a breath of relief and infuse hope to those in need!
Join the Collective and help transform the daily lives of respiratory patients and their caregivers.
United in the face of illness, we stand by those affected by all forms of respiratory diseases.
Because every action counts, we thank you for your support.
About Us
A Brief Overview of the Association
A Brief Overview of the Association
Josiane Salone was my mother (photo). She fought as a free and courageous woman against this silent disease, despite its devastating acronym.
This association represents both a humble response to the promise I made to her and the continuation of the path she set for me: one of commitment, integrity, kindness, and compassion.
Contact Us
Association Josiane Salone
united against COPD
Nonprofit Organization under French Law 1901
Officially recognized Public Interest Organization
This informational site is not a medical device.
It does not provide medical advice.
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