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The term COPD is not widely known and appreciated, despite being the third most important cause of death worldwide, with more than 4000 deaths annually in Switzerland. The life of COPD patients and their families could be made easier with more information, more prevention by smoking regulation, support of smoking cessation and by regular vaccinations against influenza and pneumococci. COPD should be detected earlier by an internet-based risk assessment algorithm and by regular spirometry in the doctor's offices (as hypertension by blood pressure measurement), especially in symptomatic smokers. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs and self-management interventions improve adherence to inhalation drug therapy and exercise training, prevent exacerbations as well as depression and fear of death. Patient's provisions concerning reanimation and intubation, home care and oxygen delivery and controlled terminal sedation help avoid a painful death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diabetic foot remains a diabetes complication with potentially devastating consequences, which is initially silent and too often neglected. Its systematic screening first has to target the estimation of the risk level of foot lesions. This estimation is based on clinical examination regarding the severity of neuropathy, its consequences and of a possibly associated arterial disease. Preventive interventions are determined according to the risk level. They always rely on an important involvement of the patient, which in turn requires the healthcare professionals' engagement in individualized patient education and psychosocial support. Wound management and its diagnostic and therapeutic challenges usually calls for a collaborative approach involving several different specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]