The 4 pillars

The first pillar considers all aspects of living with respiratory disease with the main goal to improve quality of life of people living with or at risk for respiratory disease..

By the organisation of activities surrounding World Days in collaboration with the Belgian Respiratory Society, we provide visibility and support for people living with respiratory disease.

We also aim to further develop our patient hub which provides guidance for patients and patient organisations.

The second pillar mainly targets adolescents and young adults, with the ambition of training a generation of non-smokers. It is essential, starting now, to provide them with information.

We work closely with other organizations, including the Foundation against Cancer and FARES, to set up awareness and prevention initiatives against the harmful effects of tobacco. This collaboration allows us to combine our expertise and resources to reach a broader audience and spread powerful messages about the risks of smoking. Together, we develop informational campaigns and educational tools and organize events aimed at raising awareness among young people, adults, and healthcare professionals about the dangers of tobacco for lung and overall health. Through this synergy, we aim not only to encourage smokers to quit but also to prevent young people from starting to smoke, by highlighting the long-term risks and the benefits of a tobacco-free life.

We all have the right to breathe clean air. It is important to act together to ensure that lung health problems related to air pollution are more prominent.

To achieve this, we must raise public awareness of the dangers of air pollution for lung health, by disseminating accessible information on its effects and on ways to reduce daily exposure. Then, advocacy actions are essential to encourage decision-makers to adopt strict policies to reduce emissions, in particular in favour of renewable energy, soft mobility and public transport.

Furthermore
, support for scientific research is crucial to better understand the effects of pollution on the lungs and to develop appropriate prevention strategies. By encouraging partnerships between health associations, researchers and policymakers, we can propose evidence-based solutions to improve air quality and, consequently, public health.

“Finally, every citizen has a role to play in adopting responsible behaviors: reducing car use, avoiding open-air waste burning, and supporting local initiatives for a healthier environment. By acting together, we can not only improve our current quality of life but also preserve that of future generations.

Physical exercise is essential for everyone, whether you are healthy or suffering from an illness. It is a powerful preventative measure to maintain good physical condition,

By regularly practicing an adapted activity, these patients can improve their breathing capacity, strengthen their muscles and thus compensate for the effects of breathlessness and fatigue that often accompany their illness. Exercise also helps to combat social isolation and stress, thus promoting better mental health. In addition, it has been proven that physical exercise can slow the progression of certain chronic diseases and reduce the risk of complications.

To maximize the benefits, it is essential to offer physical activity programs supervised by health professionals, with exercises adapted to the abilities and limitations of everyone. Simple activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or breathing and muscle strengthening exercises can have a significant impact on the quality of life and autonomy of patients. By incorporating exercise into their daily routine, patients with respiratory conditions can not only improve their current health, but also maintain their long-term well-being.