Kathryn Watson a registered nurse with NCN Health heads the Moira Respiratory Project.
1 in 7 Australians over the age of 40 has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
COPD is a progressive lung disease which is the third leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia.
No cure, early diagnosis and management can slow disease.
A quick and easy lung function test performed using a machine called a spirometer measures the amount of air that you breathe in and out of your lungs.
Those who should be tested include smokers, worker in a job exposed to dust, gas or fumes, coughs several times most days, coughing up phlegm or mucus most days, out of breath.
Tests carried out at NCN Health campuses at Numurkah, Nathalia and Cobram and also Yarrawonga Health, with reports sent to doctor or specialist.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation available with one 1-2 hour session a week for 6-8 weeks has been shown to help people breathe easier and improve their quality of life and mood and help stay out of hospital.