On the occasion of European Cystic Fibrosis Week which begins this Monday, the association Culture is launching a national campaign to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of sport for people with cystic fibrosis. Practicing a sporting activity is an integral part of daily treatment, insists the organization. We met Gwenn, 22 years old, suffering from cystic fibrosis, who has integrated sport into his daily life.
■ Report by Charlotte Verbruggen and Daniel Magnette
In Belgium, nearly 1,400 people suffer from cystic fibrosis. One in twenty Belgians also carries the gene. culture and therefore likely to transmit the disease to their children. This rare and genetic disease mainly affects the respiratory tract and the digestive system. It is characterized by the production of abnormally thick secretions by certain glands, leading to damage to tissues and organs. The average life expectancy of people with cystic fibrosis is between 45 and 54 years.
Treatments are nevertheless improving thanks to scientific research and new drugs make it possible to improve the quality of life in the face of the disease, underlines the association Culture which helps patients and their families. This Monday, it is also launching an awareness campaign “Sport to live” in order to highlight the beneficial effects of sport in the treatment of the disease. Physical activity helps thin mucus, contributes to the development of better lung capacity and strengthens the respiratory muscles, details Culture.
To support its campaign, the association markets a collection of sports socks for adults and children. The profit from the sale will be entirely dedicated to supporting people with cystic fibrosis in their daily fight against the disease. They are available from this Monday on www.mucoweek.be at the price of 15 euros.
Cystic fibrosis in figures
- Belgium has 1,379 people suffering from cystic fibrosis.
- 1 in 20 Belgians carry the muco gene and are likely to transmit the disease to their children.
- Every 10 days, a child with cystic fibrosis is born in our country.
- There are over 700 different mutations that cause mucositis.
- Treatment to combat symptoms can take up to 4 hours a day.
- The average life expectancy of people with cystic fibrosis is between 45 and 54 years.
With Belga
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