Here's How I Deal With Insurance Coverage ChallengesInsurance companies have evolved significantly over the years. But many of these changes, in my opinion, seem to focus more on cutting...reactions7comments
Seasonal Affective Disorder and COPDAs the seasons change and the days grow shorter, this time of year often marks the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)...reactionscomments
Planning for the HolidaysThis 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...reactions7comments
The Race that is Set Before UsWhat started as an attempt to cultivate some self-care on a balmy Saturday in my new home state of Florida turned into...reactionscomments
COPD and Runny NosesDo you have sinus problems or a runny nose along with COPD? The symptoms might seem unrelated. But over time, inflammation can...reactions12comments
Managing Holiday Stress With COPDManaging holiday stress can be challenging for anyone, but when you have COPD, the extra demands can make the season feel overwhelming...reactions11comments
Tips for Preventing COPD Flare-UpsWhen you have COPD, flare-ups (also known as exacerbations) are part of your life. They may not happen every day. But chances...reactions30comments
What Do You See When You Look in the Mirror?It’s not the young, healthy, strong, freckled-faced girl I used to see years ago. At times, I see a few wrinkles, age...reactions2comments
Heart disease and COPD: TestingI had been having chest pain on and off for a few weeks. I was familiar with the shortness of breath and...reactions4comments
Aspects Of COPD You Cannot SeeHave you ever felt like you can't catch your breath, even when you're not running? This is what it's like for people...reactions12comments
Celebrating Family Caregivers!November each year is COPD Awareness month, but did you know it's also National Family Caregivers Month? This is a time to...reactionscomments
How Has Working With COPD Patients Affected Me?As my regular readers know, I am a respiratory therapist at a small-town hospital, where a significant portion of my patients are...reactionscomments
COPD Caregiver POV: Female CatheterAs we age, our bladder loses the ability to hold urine for long periods. If we also have COPD, we are prone to limited...reactions2comments
What Are Your Thoughts on Zephyr® Valves?When Zephyr® Valves emerged as a promising innovation, I was quick to document their potential in an article. Over time, I've heard...reactions15comments
COPD vs. Aging (Part 1)The other day I was talking to my husband about some ailment that was new. I think at the time I was...reactions8comments
Redefining Being a KarenWhen my mom met Karen at the last job she had in early 2000, she found in Karen a funny, supportive, younger...reactions2comments
6 Tips to Ensure Accuracy in Your Pulse Oximeter ReadingsPulse oximeters serve as essential tools for monitoring oxygen levels. Yet, like any device, they can encounter occasional issues, leading to inaccurate...reactions4comments
Beyond My ExistenceThis morning I awoke to my 3-month-old puppy pulling at my hair. The light tugs caused me to smile. It was time...reactionscomments
COPD and Risk for Heart DiseaseDealing with COPD can come with a lot of challenges. For many people, heart disease is one of the biggest issues they...reactions2comments
We Tried For a TransplantIn the first few years after my mother’s COPD diagnosis, I spent countless hours researching the disease. The big thing that kept...reactions3comments
