I have tried smoking before and my parents didnt know that ( I think), but I did it all because of peer pressure. I remember the time that me and my college friends sneak out of the back of the school just to loiter at a store and talk and smoke. I never liked it and I do believe that it can only destroy not just the environment but most specially our body. My parents are both smokers and I totally disagree with thier vices. And I constantly tell them to stop, and to not wait for the complications to come in before deciding to let cigaretes go.
A few days ago, I heard about the story of Epy and Eric Quizon, two of the sons of the late comedian – Dolphy. Epi shared to us his experiences and how Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD took away his fathers life. “Dad lived to perform, even if he was already wheelchair-bound and could barely stand, he would revert back into his old self whenever the cameras started rolling,” shared son Eric Quizon. According to his son, actor-director Eric Quizon, his father was a heavy smoker who started smoking in his teen years. “He was 45 when he went cold turkey after being diagnosed with emphysema and by that time, his lungs were so black.” “Our dad was a fighter. He was our general, our commander-in-chief, so watching him get weaker and trying hard just to catch his breath was very difficult for us,” Epy, Eric’s younger brother recalled emotionally. “The saddest part of is seeing how your loved one deteriorates and there is nothing you can do.” Epy said. 
In mid-2012, Dolphy was hospitalized again and after battling 13 bouts of pneumonia, Dolphy succumbed to the disease on July 10, 2012 at age 83.
COPD: A FAMILIAL PROBLEM
COPD is a progressive lung ailment that makes breathing difficult and invariably leads to death. Cigarette smoking causes 80% to 90% of COPD cases. Aside from smoking, pollution – both indoor and outdoor – can also cause COPD, according to studies by the World Health Organization.(3) Patients who are suffering from COPD experience breathlessness, abnormal sputum characterized by a mix of saliva and mucus, and chronic cough.(5)
“Do not make the mistake of a lot of patients who usually see their doctors when they are already in the later stages of COPD. It is easy to confuse COPD with other conditions such as smoker’s cough and shortness of breath due to ageing but if your father is a smoker and he begins to experience coughing with phlegm and an unusual breathing pattern, consult a doctor. He may be asked to get a spirometry exam to diagnose COPD,” says Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK’s Medical Director.
L to R Nikko Briguera, Nica Eala, Janina Dizon, Dr Bernice Ong, COPD ambassador Epy Quizon, Dr Patrick Moral, Dr Tim Trinidad and Jonnahs Singian
#MakeTimeForDad Campaign
As part of the commemoration of World COPD DAY, GlaxoSmithKline and the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), are spearheading a new campaign called #MakeTimeForDad. The campaign encourages family members to upload 30-second videos on Facebook and Instagram, stating a list of things they want to do or wish they could have done with their loved fathers. This would serve as a reminder for them to act now if they feel that their loved ones are at risk for COPD, and value each moment they spend with them. 
“MakeTimeForDad encourages people to be more sensitive to the condition of their fathers especially those who smoke and are more prone to develop COPD”, says Dr. Barangan.
For more information on COPD, visit pinoycopd.com.
