Living

There is a revolving door that often starts slow until the frequent hospitalizations become dizzying. It may start with a fall, which leads to increased bed rest and muscle atrophy...

Insurance companies have evolved significantly over the years. But many of these changes, in my opinion, seem to focus more on cutting costs and increasing profits than on ensuring patients...

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, focusing on winter self-care is essential. The cold weather can be harsh on our bodies and minds, making establishing routines that...

This year, I’m looking forward to the holidays. What’s ahead? I don’t know, and I’ve learned not to plan too far ahead. It can be difficult to plan around me...

What started as an attempt to cultivate some self-care on a balmy Saturday in my new home state of Florida turned into a deep reflection of how we measure progress...

Managing holiday stress can be challenging for anyone, but when you have COPD, the extra demands can make the season feel overwhelming. The pressure to prepare, travel, cook, and entertain...

Many people in this community have shared how challenging it is to gain sympathy and understanding from those in their lives who don't have COPD. Some people simply don’t grasp...

I had been having chest pain on and off for a few weeks. I was familiar with the shortness of breath and other challenges that come with COPD. However, this...

Living with a condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is challenging and far from enjoyable. Many are diagnosed only after years of leading a normal life, making acceptance and...

November marks COPD awareness month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and offering support to each other. This year, our theme is Here for Each Other: Supporting Our COPD Community...

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for participating! November is COPD Awareness Month! This year, our theme is Here for Each Other: Supporting Our COPD Community, a reminder that...

"How long will I live?" It’s a question that weighs heavily on the minds of many people with COPD, especially those with severe cases. But how do you answer that...

As my regular readers know, I am a respiratory therapist at a small-town hospital, where a significant portion of my patients are people living with COPD. In many ways, they...

As we age, our bladder loses the ability to hold urine for long periods. If we also have COPD, we are prone to limited mobility and a higher infection risk. Devices like this...

As the seasons change and the days grow shorter, this time of year often marks the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for many people, particularly those with COPD. SAD...

Recently, I had the privilege of caring for someone with severe COPD. As we spent time together, I got to know her as both a patient and a person with...

When Zephyr® Valves emerged as a promising innovation, I was quick to document their potential in an article. Over time, I've heard numerous success stories. Most were through discussions with...

Dealing with COPD can come with a lot of challenges. For many people, heart disease is one of the biggest issues they face. How does COPD raise your risk for...

During a recent conversation with a home healthcare specialist, I discovered that high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vests are now accessible for certain people managing COPD. But what exactly are...

Throughout your journey with COPD, you will no doubt spend a great deal of money on medicine and supplies to assist you with your symptoms. Insurance does cover some, but...