Living

Editor's note: If you have concerns about COPD or associated comorbidities, always consult your healthcare provider. I am sure most of us with COPD have heard that, according to WHO...

I enjoy being a respiratory therapist. It gives me an opportunity to connect with people with COPD and to share my knowledge with them. Of course, I enjoy our conversations...

My grandkids are always inquisitive about my Alpha-1, so I thought I would share their questions and how I answer them in an article. I gave them instructions to ask...

Our country is on fire from coast to coast across Canada, including the North and through Quebec. A controlled burn rids the forest of debris, dead trees, and leaves and...

Editor's note: Always consult with your medical team before starting a new diet or exercise routine. Being diagnosed with COPD can seem scary and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to...

Given the variety of options available for nebulizers today, I believe this to be a reasonable question. Which is better: mesh nebulizers or jet nebulizers? If you want a rundown...

Some people haven’t heard the part about managing and controlling the anxiety that accompanies episodes of shortness of breath. It is so important that we take control of our episodes...

These Canadian wildfires have had a serious impact on a large portion of the U.S. In Illinois, our air quality has been at the highest levels that I have ever...

Being a grandparent is one of life’s little pleasures. For many years I never really thought I would have grandchildren. The dream was elusive and fleeting. After I found out...

It’s Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, which means one thing: it’s time for the 164th Annual Henry County Fair! It also means that it is hot and humid, and there will...

Summertime has a certain feel that brings on memories of my mom. All of my mom’s friends called her Tootsie. She lived up to her cheerful name in many ways...

You are my inspiration. Yes, you! You may wonder where I’m coming from. Maybe we haven’t chatted or even said hello to each other, yet how could I know you?...

When we are diagnosed with COPD, it can feel like receiving a swift blow to the head. We rarely see it coming and often don’t know what it means. The...

I’m sure you’ve seen commercials for biologics. Biologic drugs are a newer (although not so new anymore) treatment option often discussed in other communities. I have not personally tried a biologic...

Have you ever noticed oxygen patients on TV shows or movies? It’s something that I never paid too much attention to before they put me on oxygen, even though I...

One of the things that I wish I had been taught at the beginning of my diagnosis was how to track my numbers. This would help me be more aware...

The one thing I have learned about taking COPD medication is most will most likely dry you out. It could be puffers or a simple inability to breath easy and...

We asked our COPD advocates to share their tips on running errands. Here is what they each had to say. Let’s talk about getting out and about! While we were...

This is the story of how I fell down, landed on my buttocks, and got myself back up again without help from anyone. Being home alone always makes me feel...

Did you have breathing issues when you were young? I sure did. I remember having colds, bronchitis, and the flu all the time. My sister and I seemed to be...