Living

I often hear some of you that have COPD say that you have no help. I believe people when they say this, but I also know that sometimes we need...

Most of us with COPD know that our needs will increase as our illness progresses. I am not sure which of us hurts more, ourselves or our caregivers. As hard...

What is the life that you had before you were diagnosed with COPD? I was working a few jobs at the time of my diagnosis. I was a cook for...

There are several generations of smoking in my family, and recently, it brought up a lot of emotions. See, I found a box of VHS tapes in storage. When I...

Editor's note: this is part 2 of a series. Be sure to read part 1 and part 3! My husband and I have a large family. We have been married...

Healthcare can be problematic for those with COPD who live in rural areas. There isn't a pulmonologist in our area; the nearest specialist affiliated with our medical group is two...

I talk to people every day that tell me they have no idea how to ask questions of their doctor. Many of us have little understanding of what is actually...

Living with a long-term health condition requires us to stay on top of everything: doctor’s appointments, new symptoms, insurance, and, of course, managing treatment – all while taking care of...

Like many of you, I am on oxygen twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. I got pneumonia, was hospitalized, and woke up on oxygen. It was a stark reality...

How many times have you left the doctor's office, slapping yourself in the head because 2 minutes after your appointment ended, you remembered what you meant to tell them? You...

Editor's note: this is part 1 of a series. Be sure to check out part 2 and part 3! You may be able to relate to some of this article...

One problem with COPD is that it causes shortness of breath. This dyspnea (shortness of breath) causes a fight or flight reaction that can result in anxiety and panic. Your...

For the last year and a half, I've lived with the restrictions of COVID and have been advised to shield due to my health problems. Now all of a sudden...

Have you ever created a ‘go-to’ place? A place where you could let your mind run to? It’s where you go when you just can’t be present with what is...

Follow along on this 'How-to: Beginners Tai Chi in 6 moves' class. It is an ancient form of movement that anyone can learn. Most of us think of Tai Chi...

I believe we should have a special space to retreat to. This is a place we can reflect and reconnect with ourselves. Managing COPD takes a great deal of energy...

Welcome to 2022, where possibilities are endless. It is within your power to make this year anything you want to make it. When you have a chronic illness like COPD...

Now that I'm not working, I thought it was going to be long, boring days of nothing to do and feeling depressed. To my amazement, it is nothing like that...

It seems that every New Year, I and so many others begin with a host of resolutions. Every year I resolve to lose weight. Every year I fail. This year...

I’m sure you are familiar with this story. Once upon a time, I was very independent. Anxiety was something other people had. I took care of my family and home...