From The Canadian Lung Association: Getting the care you deserve. A Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for people with lung disease.

People with lung disease have the right to:

>Receive timely medical care. You shouldn't have to wait long to get a consultation, diagnosis and treatment.

>Receive reliable, up to date, health information that is easy to understand.

>Be treated by a healthcare team. Your doctor and other health professionals can:
Work together
Ask your opinion about treatment decisions, and
Respect your dignity and decisions during every stage of your disease.

>Breathe clean indoor and outdoor air at home, at work, at school, and in all public places. You have a right to expect air that's smoke-free, scent-free, allergen-free, and pollution-free.

>Have devices that can assist you to live independently.

>Know about the latest medical research to treat your disease.

>Know about decisions that affect health care and get involved if you wish, (examples: sit on a hospital board, raise health concerns at public meetings or write letters to the editor).


As a person with lung disease, you have the responsibility to:

>Learn as much as you can about your disease and how to manage it

>Set goals for healthier living and do your best to reach them. Try to get healthier one step at a time.

>Work with your healthcare team to make a treatment plan that's right for you

>Report all your symptoms to your healthcare team - don't leave anything out.

*Discuss what to do when your symptoms get worse with your healthcare team.
*Keep track of the warning signs and symptoms that show your disease is getting worse. If you are feeling worse, get medical help right away.
*Find out what to expect from your disease in the long run. Talk with your healthcare team and family about what kind of care you'd like in the future if you are not well enough to tell them.
*Tell your healthcare team if you find that you cannot follow your treatment plan or if you aren't taking your medicine.

>Choose a healthy lifestyle and if you smoke, take action to quit.

>Do what you can to improve the air that we breathe.

>Stick up for yourself and for your rights. Your life should be as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Visit the Canadian Lung Association Website Here