Free lung check offered as WA lights up blue for lung health

Western Australians are being urged to take a simple step that could protect their health, with a free lung health check offered in Perth as more than 30 landmarks across the state light up blue this May.

The blue lights mark Lung Health Awareness Month and aim to bring lung health into everyday conversation, with the message clear: Your Lungs Matter.

From city icons to regional landmarks, locations across Western Australia will turn blue throughout May to highlight the impact of lung disease and the importance of early detection.

In Perth, the Institute for Respiratory Health will host a free lung health check event on 14 May at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Watling Walk, G Block, from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Nurses will run the check and give people a quick snapshot of their lung health. They will also recommend next steps if needed. Everyone is welcome.

Across the state, more than 30 landmarks will participate, including Yagan Square, Matagarup Bridge and the Bell Tower in Perth, along with sites in Albany, Bunbury, Port Hedland, Newman and other regional communities.

In Western Australia, an estimated one in three people live with chronic lung conditions. Many people do not recognise the early signs or wait until symptoms become more serious before seeking help.

Director of the Institute for Respiratory Health, Geoff Stewart, said the campaign made lung health visible and encouraged people to act early.

“Most of us don’t think about our lungs until something goes wrong,” Professor Stewart said.

“Seeing landmarks light up across Western Australia is a simple way to put lung health on the radar. But the real message is to pay attention to your body and act if something does not feel right.

“Breathlessness, a persistent cough and fatigue are symptoms many people overlook or dismiss. A simple lung check can help you understand your risk and what to do next.”

People attending the free lung health check can register their expression of interest online and learn more about the Institute’s clinical trials program, which includes asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and other lung diseases.

People who cannot attend are encouraged to learn the signs, speak with their doctor if they have concerns and start a conversation with family and friends.

To see the full list of landmarks right across Western Australia, visit resphealth.org.au/lung-health-matters