The Pulmonary Post - October 2025
The Pulmonary Post - October 2025
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As we move into the season when respiratory illnesses become more common, it’s a good time to reflect on lung health and the ways we can protect ourselves and our communities. Fall also reminds us to take a moment to pause, celebrate progress, and recognize those making a difference in lung health.

Over the past several months, we have been sharing updates about the landmark settlement requiring major tobacco companies to pay $32.5 billion in compensation to provinces for the immense health, social, and economic damage caused by tobacco products. Tobacco and nicotine products kill over 1,500 people in our province every year, drain millions from our economy annually, and continues to fuel the youth vaping crisis. Saskatchewan has already received $180 million of an anticipated $700 million payment. We are asking the Government of Saskatchewan to invest less than 5% of this settlement to fund a three-year strategy to support tobacco and nicotine prevention, protection, education, and quitting support. Will you help us?  

Our goal is to send 100 letters per riding by November 30th to ensure funds are allocated for the 2026-2027 budget. You can help make this happen by sending a letter to your MLA today.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, as we gather in Saskatoon for our Fall Impact Luncheon presented by Careica Health. It’s a time to honour our ambassadors, partners, and sponsors, and hear the stories that continue to move lung health forward in our province. Congratulations to each of this year’s award recipients, your dedication and compassion are truly inspiring.

Adventure is in the air! Our Breathe & Win raffle is filled with uniquely Canadian experiences, from the Maritimes to Haida Gwaii, Toronto, or Winnipeg, including a chance to unwind at the Thermëa by Nordik Spa. All while supporting lung health in Saskatchewan. If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll grab your tickets and help us spread the word.

Our upcoming webinars and podcast episodes cover important topics such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, risks of radon and wildfire smoke, and more. These sessions provide valuable information for anyone interested in lung health and are a great way to stay informed, connected, and inspired.

Looking ahead, we’re also gearing up for the Saskatchewan Quits Smoking Challenge, launching this November. Another opportunity to take action for healthier lungs and support those on their journey to quit smoking. Watch for registration details in the coming weeks!

Erin Kuan
President & CEO 

p.s. With the ongoing Canada Post strike, radon test deliveries may be delayed. Raffle tickets and donations can still be made quickly and securely online at www.BreatheAndWin.ca and www.LungSask.ca/Donate.
RAFFLE
Breath & Win Raffle
Enter Early & Win Big!
 

Don’t wait to grab your Breathe & Win raffle tickets! Purchase your ticket before November 7th for your chance at incredible Early Bird prizes, including:

  • WestJet Gift of Flight for Two – You choose the destination, we cover the flight and fees!
  • Grand Slam of Curling Tickets – Experience every thrilling draw live in Saskatoon.
  • Dakota Dunes Resort Stay – Relax, play, and unwind at this stunning Saskatchewan destination.
  • Cypress Hills Ranch Vacation – Discover a true western getaway at a historic Saskatchewan ranch.

Plus, you’ll be entered for the grand prizes like trips to the Maritimes, Haida Gwaii, and more!

  • Maritimes Trip - this 12-day adventure will take you across Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick.
  • Haida Gwaii Trip - Explore guided tours of Haida Gwaii’s natural wonders and Haida heritage sites, including ancient rainforests, rugged shorelines, and vibrant Indigenous culture off the coast of British Columbia.
  • Toronto Sports Package -  See the Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors and enjoy a five night stay to explore Toronto!
  • Winnipeg Spa and Jets - Enjoy the ultimate luxury at the Thermëa by Nordik Spa, visit the Human Rights Museum and cheer on the Jets in this Winnipeg experience!
  • and MORE!!

Every ticket supports lung health in Saskatchewan. 
 
BUY TICKETS

Charitable Registration #87230-4811-RR0001.
Lottery License #LR25-0059.
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT
Act now to Fix the Harm! Email your MLA asking government to use the tobacco settlement funds to Fix The Harm!
Email Your MLA Urging the Saskatchewan Government to Use Tobacco Industry Settlement Funds to Fix The Harm
 

In 2025, the federal government reached a landmark agreement with major tobacco companies, requiring them to pay $32.5 billion in compensation for the immense health, social, and economic damage caused by tobacco products. This settlement holds the industry accountable for decades of deceptive marketing and harmful addiction strategies. As a result, Saskatchewan is set to receive $700 million from the tobacco industry — money meant to fix the harm their products have caused. 
 
Tobacco and nicotine products kill over 1,500 people in our province every year, drains $366 million from our economy annually, and continues to fuel the youth vaping crisis. Canadian data shows that this funding would produce a 20:1 return on investment while reducing the burden on our healthcare system and improving the quality of life of thousands of Saskatchewan residents. 

By investing even a small portion — less than 5% — of this settlement, the province could fund a three-year strategy to support tobacco and nicotine prevention, protection, education, and quitting support.  

We have one chance to get this right. Please contact your MLA to ask that a small portion of these funds go towards improving lung health.  

Lung Saskatchewan’s goal is to send 100 letters per riding by November 30th to ensure funds are allocated for the 2026-2027 budget. Help us reach this goal by sending your letter today AND by sharing with your friends, families, and neighbours. 
 
EMAIL YOUR MLA TODAY
FALL IMPACT LUNCHEON
Fall Impact Luncheon

Date: Thursday, October 30th, 2025 
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Studio 301, Saskatoon, SK

Join us for an inspiring luncheon celebrating the people, partners, and stories that drive lung health forward in Saskatchewan.

The Fall Impact Luncheon presented by Careica Health, is an annual gathering where we honour lung health champions making a difference in the lives of people affected by lung disease, from dedicated healthcare professionals and researchers to courageous advocates and community partners.

Congratulations to all our 2025 award recipients for your dedication to improving lung health: 

  • Luana Hiebert – Award of Courage  
  • Donna McDonald – Emerson Olain Award
  • Donna Turner – Innovation in Health Leadership (In Honour of Dr. Brian Graham) 
  • Conexus Credit Union – Community Champion Award 
  • Mary Dmytrowich – Distinguished Service Award  
  • Tod Boss – Corporate Champion Award 

Attendees can look forward to inspiring stories, celebration of milestone efforts and contributions, and a special announcement that celebrates both past contributions and the future of lung health in Saskatchewan.
 
PURCHASE TICKETS

Careica Health is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 Lung Saskatchewan Impact Awards.


Careica Health shares Lung Saskatchewan’s commitment to helping Canadians breathe easier through innovation, compassion, and care. From oxygen therapy to sleep apnea treatment, our mission is to support better breathing and better sleep for healthier lives. Together, we’re building stronger communities and empowering individuals to live their best lives.
INSPIRING STORIES
Elisabeth Eilinger Ambassador
How a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Changed My Life

"When I did the full overnight test, they put me in the high risk category. My results were 'off the charts horrible', about 80 breathing pauses, or apneas, per hour."

"After diagnosis, I went from sleeping 14 hours and still feeling useless, to sleeping six to eight hours. But, it was not until my doctor suggested I connect with Lung Saskatchewan that I began to understand more about sleep apnea."

Did you know people with untreated sleep apnea have an increased risk of car or work accidents, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or early death? More than 1 in 4 Canadian adults (26%) are at high risk of having or developing obstructive sleep apnea.

If you or someone you know is struggling with fatigue or loud snoring, talk to your family doctor about sleep apnea.
READ ELISABETH'S STORY
PODCAST
Let's Talk Lungs, lung health podcast

Tune into our Let's Talk Lungs Podcast, as we explore ways to improve lung health, one breath at a time. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or just wanting to learn about lung health, there is something for everyone!
Kids and Asthma! Where is Science Taking Us?

This podcast will air on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at 12 pm (CST/SK).

In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Inspired Breathing hosts Lori and Trent have a conversation with Dr. Connie Yang, Pediatric Respirologist at Toronto’s SickKids. In their conversation with Dr. Yang they will explore recent changes to asthma management for kids and also talk about what the future holds in terms of research directions, and disease remission. 

This episode is sponsored by GSK.
Radon 101. The Lung Cancer Risk You Can’t See, Taste or Smell

This podcast will air on Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 12 pm (CST/SK).

In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs, Nurse Jill chats with Regional Radiation Specialist Sandy Hutchison from Health Canada about all things radon. Tune in to learn about this radioactive gas and what you can do to reduce your lung cancer risk.
Wildfires on the Rise: Impact & Inequities in Indigenous Populations

This podcast will air on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 12 pm (CST/SK).

In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Inspired Breathing hosts, Lori and Trent will be talking with Dr. Jaris Swidrovich from the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. In this conversation, they will uncover the health inequities that exist among our Indigenous populations in relation to exposure to wildfires and just how it is impacting their health.

This episode is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Don't miss out on our past Let's Talk Lungs Podcasts:

  • Unleashing Discovery in Research
  • Ready! Set! Breathe – With Severe Asthma!
  • How is Your Lung Life? Tips on How to Protect and Love Your Lungs
  • Demystifying ILD
  • RSV and You: How You Can Protect Yourself from this Common Lung Infection
  • I Smell Smoke! How to Protect Yourself During Wildfire Season!
  • RSV and Other Respiratory Vaccines! What do I Need to Know?
  • Building Trust in mRNA Technology: A New Era in Prevention and Therapies
  • RSV and Infants – When It’s More Than Just a Cold
INSPIRED BREATHING

Inspired Breathing provides continuing education events for health care professionals that are responsive, innovative, and centred around partnership. We are proud to deliver interactive, in-person, and virtual events. Register early to secure your spot.

UPCOMING EVENTS
It’s Time to Think Differently About Pneumococcal Disease & Vaccination: Evolving & Persistent Unmet Needs in Older Adults

Thursday, October 16th at 12 pm (CST/SK)

This webinar features guest presenter Dr. Ronald F. Grossman, a practicing Respirologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. With extensive contributions to national and international respiratory guidelines and over 90 published articles, Dr. Grossman brings deep expertise in respiratory tract infections and pneumonia to this important discussion.

This webinar is proudly sponsored by Merck.
REGISTER
RESPTREC

Join us as we bring together top experts to discuss lung health topics, and empower health care professionals to deliver informed, patient-focused health care experiences to those living with lung disease.

The RESPTREC Webinar Series is proudly sponsored by AstraZeneca.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
COPD and Peak Inspiratory Flow: Does it Matter?

Wednesday, October 29th at 6:30 pm (CST/SK)

Guest presenter Dr. Jeffrey Marciniuk, MD, FRCPC will be talking about COPD and why peak inspiratory flow matters.

Learning objectives include:

  • Review the current management strategies for COPD including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies
  • Discuss what peak inspiratory flow rate is and how to measure it
  • Explore prescription strategies to personalize inhaler therapy for patients with COPD utilizing peak inspiratory flow rate
REGISTER
SUPPORT MEETINGS
Pulmonary Fibrosis and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Support Meeting
Upcoming Therapy for Pulmonary Fibrosis: Nerandomilast

Pulmonary Fibrosis and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Support Meeting

Wednesday, November 26th at 1:30 pm (CST/SK)

We welcome Dr. Stacey Lok, respirologist and pulmonary fibrosis specialist from Saskatoon, to discuss a new therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. Nerandomilast is a medication being studied for pulmonary fibrosis that may slow down the harmful processes where lung tissue becomes stiff (fibrosis) and inflamed by targeting a specific enzyme called PDE4B, which plays a key role in triggering these damaging processes.
REGISTER
NEWS
Canada Post Strike Update
Canada Post Strike

We know many of you count on the mail to stay connected with Lung Saskatchewan, whether it’s buying raffle tickets, ordering radon kits, or sending in a donation. As the Canada Post strike continues, some services will be delayed. Here’s what you need to know:

Breathe and Win Raffle Tickets – We encourage everyone to purchase their tickets online to avoid delays, and we’d appreciate your help spreading the word. Don’t miss your chance to WIN BIG! Get your tickets: www.breatheandwin.ca

Radon Test Orders – Rest assured, we will do our best to get your orders to you as soon as possible.

Mail-in Donations & Tax Receipts – You can donate securely online to receive your tax receipt instantly. Online donations are quick, easy, and secure. www.LungSask.ca/Donate

Thank you for your continued support of lung health in Saskatchewan!
COMMUNITIES OF SUPPORT

Our online communities are a platform for patients and caregivers to ask questions, share their stories, as well as provide encouragement and peer support to one another.

Coordinated by Certified Respiratory Health Professionals from Lung Saskatchewan, we provide timely information and resources to guide you through tough times.

Our active communities of support include: 

Find the power of community in our lung health support groups. Join us to connect with individuals who relate to your journey. Together, we can make a difference in each other's lives.
Lung Helpline

Our Lung Helpline is a free, confidential lung information service, managed by Certified Respiratory Educators. 

Educators are available to answer your questions about breathing and lung diseases Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. 

Call 1-833-385-LUNG (5864).

2308 Arlington Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7J 3L3
(306) 343-9511

info@lungsask.ca
DONATE >
Lung Saskatchewan

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