A Good Death | Short Film About COPD

According to the film's creator, “A Good Death” is designed for patients with COPD or other serious lung conditions, their families, and the doctors and nurses who provide care for them.

It is not an easy film to watch, because it describes the end-of-life struggles of a real patient, Mr. Martin Cavanagh, and his family during the last months of his life.

The film is designed to introduce the concept of ADVANCE CARE PLANNING. It is meant to prompt meaningful discussion and helpful planning for future care for patients whose respiratory illness is leading them to the end of their life. It is about making thoughtful choices.

And it's that concept of "thoughtful choices" why I'm posting the film here too.

Not everyone diagnosed with COPD gets it from smoking. There is a small percentage of the patient population, like Mr. Cavanagh, who suffers from this terrible affliction through no fault of their own.

But, smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Smoking can be prevented.

COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Female smokers are nearly 13 times as likely to die from COPD as women who have never smoked. Male smokers are nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked.

And the age at which more people are being diagnosed with COPD is falling.

Traditionally found in smokers 50-60 years of age. Now-a-days, there are many more smokers being diagnosed with early-stage COPD while only in their 30s and 40s. Remember, COPD is irreversible.

It's disturbing to me to watch the slow, progressive, and painful death of someone who has COPD. Imagine yourself or one of your loved ones in this poor man's shoes. But what's really disturbing is that this mainly self-inflicted disease is one that can be so easily prevented by never becoming a smoker, or quitting smoking before it's too late.

So, I'm presenting this film on Smoking Blows as a message of PREVENTATIVE CARE PLANNING. As difficult as it may be for you, please make an effort to quit smoking before you contract COPD.


A Good Death from PRN Films on Vimeo.