Make the most of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

from Health Department of NW Michigan.

The more you know, the more you can make a difference. May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. To help raise awareness, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) and Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance urges residents to learn about, share personal experiences, and advocate for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) throughout the month of May.

Every May, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the CF community create resources and share stories to help raise awareness of CF. This year’s theme is “Resilient.” Follow along on social media to see more about how “Together, we are Resilient.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CF Foundation:

CF is a progressive, genetic disorder that causes problems with breathing and digestion. People with CF have mucus that is too thick and sticky which:

Blocks airways leading to lung damage,
Traps germs leading to likelihood of infections, and
Prevents protein absorption needed for digestion, limiting the ability to absorb nutrients.

There are 40,000 children and adults living with CF in the United States. There’s an estimated 105,000 people diagnosed with CF across 94 countries, affecting every racial and ethnic group.
CF affects different organs in the body, making people with the disease more likely to develop other health conditions such as diabetes, cirrhosis, arthritis, reflux, and osteoporosis.

“People with Cystic Fibrosis can lead normal, productive lives with therapy and treatment,” says Holly Campbell, HDNW Deputy Health Officer. “However, like any chronic illness, Cystic Fibrosis can be isolating.”

All babies born in the United States are checked for CF as part of a newborn screening; however, some people aren’t diagnosed until adulthood. Signs and symptoms include: