2023-11-15 18:01:34
AZ Sint-Maarten Raises Awareness for COPD with 200 Kilometer Cycling Event
On Wednesday, November 15, doctors, employees, and patients of AZ Sint-Maarten made a powerful statement by cycling more than 200 kilometers together in the central entrance hall of the hospital in Mechelen. The event was organized for the second year in a row to draw attention to the lung disease COPD.
Acting as a spokesperson for the cause, actor Tijmen Govaerts kick-started the event by taking care of the first kilometers. A total of 32 enthusiastic cyclists, including doctors and patients, took part in the event. The aim of the cycling challenge was to raise awareness about COPD and the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation, particularly for general practitioners, patients, and the general public.
The participants cycled for four hours, taking turns in fifteen-minute intervals on two ergometric bicycles set up in the hospital’s central hall. Dr. Jouke De Regt, a pneumologist at AZ Sint-Maarten and the event’s organizer, emphasized the importance of the event in providing motivation for lung patients to maintain their exercise capacity.
Tijmen Govaerts, a lung patient himself, joined Dr. Christophe Libeer, head of pneumology, in the cycling challenge, expressing his gratitude to the hospital for their support in managing his lung condition.
COPD affects nearly 400 million people worldwide, causing symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and reduced ability to exercise. While smoking is the most common cause, air pollution and genetic factors can also contribute to the disease. In addition to smoking cessation and medication, maintaining good physical condition through pulmonary rehabilitation is a critical aspect of COPD treatment.
The cycling event, organized in collaboration with pharmaceutical company Chiesi, also raised sponsorship money to support the Stand Up to Cancer campaign.
AZ Sint-Maarten’s initiative to raise awareness for COPD through the cycling challenge is a remarkable example of the hospital’s commitment to advocating for lung health and providing support for patients with respiratory conditions.
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