American Lung Association in Iowa

Lung Cancer Awareness Month is here, and the time to unite is now! Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. But together, we can change that. Join us in our work to end lung cancer by going to Lung.org/LCAM 💙

Having the support of others is a crucial component to managing a chronic condition and having improved health outcomes. Learn more about the many benefits of support groups and find one that is right for you:

Why People with Chronic Lung Disease Need Support Groups Being part of a larger community can help you manage your condition, share connections and improve your overall health.

Don't be scared! 🫣 The Climb is not spooky 👻 it's for a great cause! You can still start your team and join us at the Fight For Air Climb, presented by The Iowa Clinic on March 30, 2025, in downtown Des Moines. Send a text to your teammates and tell them to use code CLIMB15 when they register.

Support thousands of Iowans with chronic lung disease by going to FightForAirClimb.org/DesMoines

See you there!

To***co products, vapes and ni****ne products can cause feelings of stress and anxiety. If you are a teen looking to quit, My Life My Quit can help. Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or visit MyLifeMyQuit.com. And for adults looking to quit as well, Quitline Iowa is here for you! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), text "START" to 300500 or visit QuitlineIowa.org.

Big news for lung health in Iowa! We’re excited to announce that Dr. Wenjie Yu, PhD from The University of Iowa has been awarded the prestigious Catalyst Award from the American Lung Association Research Institute! 👏

Dr. Yu’s project focuses on chronic airway disease and aims to uncover the link between enlarged airway glands and abnormal mucus production. His research will explore how these enlarged glands contribute to the thick mucus that makes breathing difficult for many patients, with the goal of paving the way for better treatments.

With over 448,000 Iowans affected by lung disease, this research is vital to improving lives. Join us in celebrating Dr. Yu’s work and commitment to advancing lung health! 💙🩺 Read more about these research awards on our website: https://on.lung.org/3Au3Zjw

Big news in lung health! The American Lung Association has invested $22M in lung health research for 2024-2025, funding 139 research grants to advance treatments for asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and more. This includes projects on indoor air quality and pandemic-level respiratory viruses.
Learn more about our commitment to healthier lungs: https://on.lung.org/3Y8FL6y

Thank a respiratory therapist this week! This Respiratory Care Week, and every week, we’re grateful for these healthcare workers that help people breathe easier and improve lung health awareness. 💙

Visit Lung.org to support our vision of a world free of lung disease.

Everyone deserves proper care. We're advocating for patient-centric oxygen therapy in Medicare. Help us ensure everyone gets the support they need and urge your Congress members to pass Supplemental Oxygen Reform: https://a.lung.org/NN2S4wi

Have you registered for the Des Moines 2025 Fight For Air Climb yet?! Grab your friends and family and tell them registration is still $15 for a couple more days... don't wait... take action! 💙👏

Register at FightForAirClimb.org/DesMoines for $15!

🚨 Time to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine! 🚨 The FDA has approved the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines, and they are now available!

COVID-19 is still a public health risk, especially for those with chronic lung conditions, adults 65 and older, and underserved communities. We urge everyone six months and older to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to help protect themselves, their families and their communities.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you at Vaccines.gov.

Thank you 💙 to our Contributing Sponsors like Wellmark YMCA, EMC Insurance Companies, the Financial Center, Hub Tower, and Ruan for supporting the 2025 Fight For Air Climb - Des Moines and the lifesaving mission of the American Lung Association!

‼️DON'T FORGET‼️ Registration is still $15, so go to FightForAirClimb.org/DesMoines today for the biggest discount!

This week we are mourning the loss of Lung Force Hero and friend, Sara Geiken after a five year battle with lung cancer. Sara was a fierce advocate for lung cancer awareness and advocacy, a supporter of the Fight For Air Climb – Des Moines, and attended our Lung Force Advocacy Day in Washington D.C. last spring. Sara was empathetic, intelligent, and brought joy to any room that she entered. Sara will be deeply missed by all of us at the Lung Association, she is survived by her loving family, including her daughter and parents.
https://www.lung.org/lung-force/lung-force-heroes/sara-g-(1)

🧠🔄 Did you know smoking and va**ng are closely linked to mental health conditions?

Ni****ne in to***co products can affect the brain's chemistry and can cause changes in mood and behavior, including increased anxiety and irritability.

Let's raise awareness about the negative impact of to***co use on mental health. Quitting smoking or va**ng can lead to significant improvements in mental health! https://on.lung.org/3zMxUzz

Good News!! Registration for the Fight For Air Climb Des Moines is still $15... but this discount won't last forever, so hurry and register at FightForAirClimb.org/DesMoines.

By joining us at the Climb you:
•Support funding for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures for all lung diseases
•Advocate for cleaning up sources of outdoor air pollution
•Help eliminate all flavored to***co products, including e-ci******es, ci**rs, ho**ah and menthol ci******es

YAY for lung health!!

Aromatherapy, which utilizes essential oils, is believed to be a more holistic approach to health but, benefits may not be as great as the risks. Learn how the dangers of the new trend of va**ng these oils:

Va**ng Essential Oils: Hidden Health Danger You Need to Know About In pursuit of health, some people are taking va**ng a step further, by using essential oils as the “e-juice.” Here is what you need to know about this potentially dangerous health trend.

A school’s poor indoor air quality can have short and long-term health effects for both students and staff. Here are some steps schools can take to improve air quality and keep people safe:

How Your School’s Indoor Air Quality Affects Health and Learning The EPA estimates that up to half of all schools have problems linked to indoor air quality.

Let's keep climbing!! 🤝 The Fight For Air Climb Des Moines registration is ONLY $15! This deal won't last forever so head over to FightForAirClimb.org/DesMoines before it goes up.

Quitting to***co and ni****ne is not easy, so congratulations to those who are working toward cessation and to those who are living to***co and ni****ne free! Thank you for helping create healthier, cleaner air for yourself, your loved ones, your pets and all those around you. For those who are interested in learning more about to***co and ni****ne cessation, please contact Quitline Iowa for more information. Text "START" to 300500, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit QuitlineIowa.org. ***cofree ****nefree

October is National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month! Today, let's talk about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – a common indoor air pollutant. These chemicals can be found in paints, cleaners, adhesives and even new furniture. 🏡 Learn how to identify and reduce chemical exposure in your home. http://lung.org/clean-air

Climbers like you are the reason we can make a difference in the world of LUNGS. We aren't done making a difference yet... Register for the Des Moines Fight For Air Climb for just $15 and start achieving your goals! 💙💙

FightForAirClimb.org/DesMoines

💙 Meet Laura R.! Laura is a Lung Champion living with pulmonary fibrosis and is using her voice to make a difference for millions affected by lung disease.

Laura shared her story during Respiratory Advocacy Day, meeting with members of Congress to push for vital reforms, policies, and investments supporting people living with asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases.

This Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, join us in raising awareness and taking action. Learn more at lung.org/pf.