Should I Stay or Should I Go?Should I stay home or should I go? How often do we ask ourselves this when invited to go somewhere? I’m sure it’s too many to count. My cousin Rhonda... By Jackie English3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments13 comments
My Family Picnic (Part 1)It has been a dark lonely three years. The pandemic happened so fast and lasted so long, it has been years since my extended family and I have been together... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Caregivers: Aren’t They the Best?How amazing are our caregivers? I think about this often. There are so many things that my husband does for me. I ask for some help, and most are the... By Jackie English2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments19 comments
How Do You Entertain Yourself In The Hospital?Sometimes you get admitted for COPD flare-ups. Once you’re feeling better, you may be stuck in a room feeling better. You will need something to entertain you. So, what is... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Flu, RSV, and COVID-19: Differences Between 3 Respiratory InfectionsThe flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory infections that affect the nose, throat, and lungs. They affect both adults and kids, and they have many... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Death and Dying: Part 3You can read parts 1 and 2 of this story here and here. After volunteering with the ambulance service and helping with the bookkeeping, I was offered a full-time position... By Janet Plank5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Understanding Vaccine RecommendationsEvery year, vaccines help save millions of lives. Vaccines work with our body’s natural defenses to create an immune response to a specific disease. They are our best protection against... By Editorial Team 5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Things I Teach People With COPDAs a respiratory therapist (RT), I teach a lot. We RTs do a lot of teaching. Although, the only place where we RTs are available for teaching is in the... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Death and Dying: Part 2Editor's note: This article discusses sensitive topics like suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8 or... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments14 comments
Respiratory Infections 101Respiratory infections affect the nose, sinuses, throat, and airways. These infections can cause symptoms such as congestion, cough, and shortness of breath. For people who live with certain chronic medical... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments18 comments
Let’s Talk About the GirlsOne of the best things to happen upon my diagnosis in 2016 was my doctor permitting me to eliminate my bra. I couldn’t have been happier. I had been wearing... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments16 comments
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): The BasicsRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough, congestion, and shortness of breath. RSV can affect people of all ages... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
As My World TurnsSo, here’s the thing. People know as soon as they see me that something is up. My COPD forces me to wear supplemental oxygen 24/7. I take more time and... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Therapy and a COPD DiagnosisTherapy: I’m wondering if it should be one of the first things prescribed to us by our COPD diagnosis. I have thought of therapy a few times over the years... By Jackie English4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments41 comments
On Death and Dying: Part 1I have COPD, which is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Under the COPD heading are emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and alpha-one deficiency. This subject may be peaceful, scary, or even taboo for some... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The COPD Auto-Correct Lexicon"I had to inject epic into the patient." Yes, that was a failed autocorrect. The word I wanted to use was “epi.” I like autocorrect for the most part. I... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
My Lower Body Workout RoutineIt is hard to say which part of a whole body exercise is paramount. My main focus is always on the upper body, lower body, and cardio and breathing. Below... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments
Remembering WhenAs I stepped out the back door and onto the deck, the heat and humidity seemed to wrap around me. I couldn’t breathe. After tossing my garbage into the can... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Community Shares: Dealing With Viral Respiratory InfectionsWhen it comes to viral respiratory infections, there’s no shortage of germs out there – from the common cold, to the flu, to RSV, to COVID-19. Over the years, our... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What Do Respiratory Medicines Taste Like? Many of us in this community have nebulizers and inhalers. These devices allow us to inhale respiratory medications. So, what do the different respiratory medications taste like? Let’s discuss. This... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments