Rep. Adams Hosts Webinar Raising Awareness of COPD

CHARLOTTE - Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. hosted a virtual conversation and webinar today discussing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). She was joined by Jean Wright, MD, MBA, a COPD expert and CEO of the COPD foundation, who gave a thorough presentation about the disease to inform viewers of its signs and symptoms. The event was held in part in service to Women's History Month, and the theme was "COPD: What to Know."

Historically, women are more inclined to suffer from certain diseases/illnesses, including COPD, because their symptoms are more likely to be ignored, and COPD often goes undetected in those affected by it. One key takeaway for attendees was to test their lung strength at home. "If you can't blow out a birthday candle at arm's length, go see a doctor!" said COPD Foundation CEO Jean Wright, M.D., MBA.

"While research, medicine, and access are so important, it's most critical that women are simply informed about COPD," said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. "Women know their bodies, and they know when something is wrong. Understanding the signs of this disease and having the confidence to advocate for themselves is more than half the battle."

"Women develop COPD earlier in life than men, but tend to receive a diagnosis later," Dr. Wright said. "As a result, women potentially have more years of breathing difficulty and long-term frustration as treatments are less effective against more advanced cases of COPD. It's important for women to be aware of our unique risk factors and symptoms in order to take charge of our health."

Rep. Adams and Dr. Wright agreed on the dangers of smoking, the need to steer kids toward healthy habits, and on the importance for individuals to self-regulate, do self-checks for COPD, and to encourage the same among loved ones. The event also included members of Rep. Adams' staff, who paid homage to the late, former North Carolina State Representative Mary McAllister, the late, former County Commissioner Ella Scarborough, and the late Representative Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Woman elected to Congress.

Dr. Wright received her medical degree from Wayne State University, her MBA degree from Emory University Goizueta School of Business, and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan. She previously held positions as a physician executive at Emory, Chair of Pediatrics for Mercer, Executive Director for Memorial Health's Children's and Women's Hospital in Savannah, and a chief medical officer for Atrium, now known as Advocate Health.

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Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.