Articles

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...

Summer is here, and so is the chance to enjoy the great outdoors. But be careful. If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may find that certain aspects...

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...

If you are like me, you probably have other things besides your COPD that you struggle with that may hinder your will to keep going every day. COPD is hard...

One of the things that I have learned while dealing with COPD is that it is hard for others to understand what we live with every day of our life...

Let's talk long Covid. Twenty days after our previous Covid test, my husband and I tested positive for Covid-19. This was the third time. When we tested positive, my husband...

Editor's Note: This article discusses domestic abuse and neglect, which may be distressing for certain readers. The cruelest part of having COPD is the people that refuse to understand. It’s...

When I was first diagnosed with Alpha-1, I was interested in joining a support group. Would there even be one in my area? With Alpha-1 being a rare genetic disorder...