Questions Your Doctor Should Ask You But Probably Don'tWe often discuss the importance of asking your doctor questions. Inquiring with your doctor not only aids in acquiring knowledge and addressing concerns but also fosters a collaborative healthcare journey... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Medication ManagementIf you have COPD, you will most likely already have an arsenal of tools at your disposal on a daily basis to assist you in managing flare-ups. When you add... By Julie Sparks2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
A Quality COPD Nurse Can Make All the DifferenceHave you ever had a great nurse? One that you feel went above and beyond to help you feel more comfortable? I feel that our nurses can be so much... By Jackie English3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Professional Caregiving vs. Family CaregivingAt the same time my job as a caregiver for my family was beginning to grow beyond providing care on an as-needed basis for both of my parents, I joined... By Julie Sparks2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Can I Still Have Surgery While Having Stage Four COPD?I seen this statement on our community and a lot of you joined in the conversation and shared your stories of having surgery or not being able to handle surgery... By Jackie English2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Understanding Thirdhand SmokeMany people are familiar with the concept of first and secondhand smoke, but have you ever heard of thirdhand smoke? Thirdhand smoke is made up of the pollutants that settle... By Jackie English2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD and Severe Weather PreparednessAs a caregiver, I tend to adopt the mindset of a Boy Scout: "Always be prepared." Modern technology assisting in weather prediction these days makes it easier to be on... By Julie Sparks2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Living Alone With COPDWhat are your living arrangements? Are you able to live independently? Are you married? Do you have family close by? Do you have a caregiver in your home, or are... By Becky Brooks2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Caregiving With COPD: Husband Undergoes Triple BypassIt’s been hard seeing my husband trying to do things around the house, and errands. Having COPD myself makes this especially tough. I told him that I was going to... By Janet Plank3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD and Thirdhand SmokeYou've heard of firsthand smoke. You know about secondhand smoke. But do you know about thirdhand smoke? Let's talk about what it is and why it matters to those with... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Chair Yoga for COPD PatientsEditors Note: It is important to consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. In one COPD forum, there was a question asked: What's one topic related to living... By Jackie English2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Helpful Strategies for Easier Daily Living With COPDHabits, which are like the many sides of daily life, are often what hold our days together. For people with COPD, these habits are even more important and require a... By Jackie English3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The ABC's of COPD CaregivingWhen I think about the time I spent taking care of my mom's journey with COPD, each letter of the alphabet brings back a different and important memory. Love, understanding... By Julie Sparks3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Taking an Ocean Cruise With COPDMy sister called an emergency meeting of “The Caregiver’s Club.” After mom’s diagnosis with COPD, we kids took turns being up in her business. It’s something that she loved and... By Karen Hoyt2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Navigating the Shared Journey: Asthma and COPDWhile I was growing up, severe asthma was my constant companion. When I became a respiratory therapist, I expected to connect with short-of-breath patients, assuming they'd be like me—fellow asthmatics... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Let’s Discuss Respiratory Aids for COPDIn our community, the need for ventilator support is a shared reality. Among our conversations, terms like "ventilator," "Trilogy," "AVAPS," "BiPAP," and "CPAP" frequently surface. These terms hold diverse meanings... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Factors That Influence My COPD HealthThe day was a tough one. I was so tired. Something triggered my asthma. COPD could be a culprit too. My osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia both had me in pain. I... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Placing Hope in ResearchI'm going to Birmingham, Alabama, for an Alpha-1 lung study. Ever since I was diagnosed with Alpha-1, I have tried to do everything I can to help find a cure... By Jackie English2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Do You Worry About What Others Think?Imagine this scenario: you are in a store, wearing a mask to stay safe. Suddenly, you start coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. The need to catch your breath forces a pause... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Living Your Best COPD Life with Diet and ExerciseAfter my first serious exacerbation, I was too weak to walk across the room. I was devastated and scared. A very serious case of pneumonia had almost put me in my grave. ... By Becky Brooks2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments