Breathe & Win Raffle, Support Group Meetings, Sask Quits, and more!

The Pulmonary Post - November 2025

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November is Lung Month, a reminder of just how vital our lungs are and why protecting them matters every day. What steps will you take to protect your lungs? Register for one of our webinars, support meetings, or tune in to our podcast that dives deep into lung health.

November is also Radon Action Month. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer - you can’t see, taste, or smell it. Take action and test your home for radon, it’s easy, and affordable.

The excitement is building in our Breathe & Win Raffle! The 50/50 jackpot has already surpassed $108,000, and there are unforgettable Canadian adventures waiting to be won. Every ticket helps support lung health in Saskatchewan.

Please consider Emailing Your MLA urging the Saskatchewan Government to use tobacco industry settlement funds to FIX the Harm. Tobacco and nicotine products kill over 1,500 people in our province every year, drain millions from our economy annually, and continue to fuel the youth vaping crisis. Saskatchewan has already received $180 million of an anticipated $700 million payment from the Tobacco Settlement, and 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. Every letter matters. Help us reach our goal of 100 letters by November 30th.

The Saskatchewan Quit Smoking Challenge is back for its fifth year, giving participants the support, resources, and motivation they need to take that next step toward quitting. If you know someone who’s thinking about quitting or cutting back, please share the challenge with them, it could be the encouragement they need to get started.

Finally, my heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us at our Fall Impact Luncheon presented by Careica Health. It was a joy to celebrate the individuals and organizations who continue to move lung health forward in Saskatchewan. Your passion and support remind us why this work matters.

With gratitude,

Erin Kuan
President & CEO

RAFFLE

Canadian Adventures and a Growing Jackpot!

The Early Bird prizes may be gone, but the biggest rewards are still ahead!

The Breathe & Win Raffle is your chance to explore some of Canada’s most breathtaking destinations or take home a life-changing 50/50 jackpot — now over $108,000 and climbing!

Where could your ticket take you?

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 purchase supports Lung Saskatchewan’s mission to improve lung health one breath at a time.

BUY TICKETS

Charitable Registration #87230-4811-RR0001.
Lottery License #LR25-0059.

TOBACCO SETTLEMENT

Email Your MLA Urging the Saskatchewan Government to Use Tobacco Industry Settlement Funds to Fix The Harm

Please consider Emailing Your MLA urging the Saskatchewan Government to use tobacco industry settlement funds to FIX the Harm. This easy to use platform automatically connects to your MLA and enables you to personalize the message if you wish.

Over the past several months, Lung Saskatchewan has 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 continue 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?  

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.

EMAIL YOUR MLA TODAY

QUIT SMOKING CHALLENGE

Your Quit Journey Starts Here!

The Saskatchewan Quit Smoking Challenge is back for its fifth year!

Are you thinking about quitting or cutting back on smoking? Whether you’re just starting your journey or ready to take that next step, we invite you to join the Saskatchewan Quit Smoking Challenge!

This year’s challenge runs from November 17, 2025 – February 28, 2026, and includes:

Prizes
Expert resources and tips
A supportive community
Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy trial pack
Stories from local ambassadors

Get the tools you need to quit. Sign up now at www.SaskQuits.ca.

Don't forget to join the Saskatchewan Quits Facebook Group!

FALL IMPACT LUNCHEON

Lung Saskatchewan was honoured to host the Fall Impact Luncheon presented by Careica Health to celebrate outstanding contributions to lung health in our province.

The event brought together staff, board members, lung ambassadors, healthcare professionals, corporate partners, and family and friends of award recipients. It was a meaningful gathering to recognize and honour individuals and organizations who champion lung health across Saskatchewan. Congratulations to the award recipients for their remarkable efforts and dedication to improving lung health!

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

SPECIAL RECOGNITION
During the luncheon, two noteworthy initiatives were announced:

Jim & Marjorie Burnett Bursary: This bursary will be provided to individuals pursuing post-secondary education in the field of respiratory health. Funding for this bursary will be provided by The Lung Foundation, Lung Saskatchewan, and donors who wish to contribute to this legacy. Starting in 2026, this bursary will be provided to individuals pursuing post-secondary education in the field of respiratory health.

Luana's Legacy Fund: In honour of Luana’s courage and dedication, this fund will support those who may need extra support during a lung cancer journey, radon mitigation for families who may not be able to afford a system, as well as education and awareness about the dangers of radon.

If you are interested in contributing to either of these important initiatives, please contact erin.kuan@lungsask.ca.

EVENT PHOTOS
See highlights and award celebrations from the Fall Impact Luncheon.

View Photos

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AWARD RECIPIENTS

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

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

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!

Ready! Set! Breathe – With COPD!

This podcast will air on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 at 12 pm (CST/SK). World COPD Day!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Inspired Breathing hosts, Lori and Trent have a conversation with Dr. Mohit Bhutani, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. In their conversation with Dr. Bhutani they will talk about all things COPD – the new Canadian and global guidelines for treatment; the upcoming role biologic therapies will play in disease management; and what the future holds in terms of research directions, and disease remission.

This episode is sponsored in part by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

Real Talk on Quitting Smoking

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

In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs, brand new host Bethany Verma, Lung Saskatchewan's Health Promotion Manager, has a conversation with Jenna Anderson, licensed pharmacist and Manager of Professional Practice at Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan, and Leon Ferguson, Saskatchewan Quits ambassador. Bethany, Jenna, and Leon chat all things quitting - supports available, how to navigate nicotine replacement therapy and medications, and tips for quitting amidst the stress that can come with the holiday season.

This episode is sponsored by Nicorette.

Holiday Episode

This podcast will air on Wednesday, December 16th, 2025 at 12 pm (CST/SK).

As we wrap up the first year of the Let’s Talk Lungs podcast, hosts Trent and Lori are celebrating with a special holiday episode!

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
Kids and Asthma! Where is Science Taking Us?
Part 1: Radon 101: The Lung Cancer Risk you can’t see, taste, or smell.
Wildfires on the Rise: Impact & Inequities in Indigenous Populations

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

RESPTREC Webinar: Cardiopulmonary Connection Between the Heart and Lungs

Wednesday, November 26th at 7:30 pm (CST/SK)

Guest presenter Dr. Shelley Zieroth, MD, FRCPC will be discussing Cardiopulmonary Connection Between the Heart and Lungs.

Learning objectives include:

Review the physiological relationship between the heart and lungs
Understand clinical scenarios where cardiopulmonary interactions significantly impact diagnosis and treatment
Explore integrated management strategies for patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities, enhancing collaborative care across cardiology, pulmonology, and critical care disciplines.

SUPPORT MEETINGS

Tips to Keep You Well Before and After a Lung Transplant

Lung Transplant Support Meeting

Tuesday, November 25th at 12 pm (CST/SK)

A lung transplant is a lifelong journey—both before and after surgery. Prioritizing your health and overall wellness is essential at every stage. Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring Dr. Holly Mansell and double lung transplant recipient Donna McDonald as they share their insights and practical tips for staying well throughout the transplant journey.

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.

Fisher & Paykel Masks & Equipment Information

Sleep Apnea Support Meeting

Wednesday, December 10th at 1:30 pm (CST/SK)

Join us with guest presenter Kolton Jordison, RRT & Homecare Sales Representative from Fisher & Paykel. Kolton will present on their CPAP masks and technology.

NEWS

Proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan: November is Lung Month & Radon Action Month

We’re proud to share that November has been proclaimed Lung Month and Radon Action Month by the Government of Saskatchewan.

Thank you to the Honourable Jeremy Cockrill, Minister of Health, for recognizing the importance of lung health in our province.

LEARN MORE

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

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