Turning My COPD Into a Challenge

Sometimes it's so difficult to get into a routine and to do something positive. I have found that I love doing art, though at the moment I am at a stage where I copy pictures and then add some of my own touches to them. It passes the time and I really do enjoy it. Now it's time that I conquer this COPD and keep as active as possible.

Mobility and health tracking

Moving around

My COPD is very advanced, so when I go out it's either on my buggy or in a wheelchair pushed by my buggy. Luckily, at the moment I can get about my home pretty easily, and I still don't need oxygen. I do get pretty out of breath.

Tracking health

I count my steps with a health tracker which also keeps track of my heart rate steps and other things like exercise weights, etc. Calories don't interest me as much as I tend to burn calories very quickly even with a high-calorie diet. I've figured out that roughly 2000 steps are about 1 mile and I can do that around my home. Not every day, but on good days.

Steps adding up

I set a timer so every 30 minutes I will get up and move about walking. When waiting for the kettle to boil I walk up and down the hallway or walk from room to room. Those steps add up. I have decided to do some charity-sponsored walks - 1 mile a day and I also did a couple of these last year. For different charities, you also get a free t-shirt which is good to wear during even more exercise.

Active and fit

I help myself by keeping active and fit. If I don't reach the goal, I have not totally lost, as I have made myself a little bit stronger. It's a good way to keep ourselves active and doing something to help others too. I signed up for one today. Whether I will reach the goal I am not sure as I am having another physical problem, but I will push myself to my limit. Doing it gives me that real buzz mentally and physically. After a good workout, I am always starving so I eat well too.

Loving a challenge

As long as we do our best, and not sit like a couch potato, which I admit is tempting at times, we have not given up on ourselves. We are all on this journey together and here for a reason. I do sometimes feel sorry for myself but I get rid of that thought pretty quickly as it's not a nice place to be in.

I do love a challenge and this is something I can do to help others as well, so it is a win-win for all of us. It is a nice feeling knowing you are going to try to raise money and awareness for other health issues and groups all while making myself stronger.

If we don't try, we will never know if we can do it or not. I will try and will let you know how I did. There is a life after diagnosis.

Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Debz passed away in October of 2021. She is deeply missed but her positivity and resilience live on through her articles. Thank you for everything, Debz.