Basics for Caregivers: Exercise and Respiratory TherapyYou will find other articles about the options for exercise and respiratory therapy, but what is your role as the caregiver for these things? You are the encourager, towel carrier... By Tonya Hidalgo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with COPDThe Social Security Administration is a branch of the United States federal government that provides disability benefits to individuals who cannot work due to long-term disability. Benefits are provided through... By Mariah Z. Leach3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Understanding the Respiratory SystemYou've probably heard the old saying, "Knowledge is power." This is never more true than when dealing with a new diagnosis of COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease... By Kathi MacNaughton3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Give Your Mind A BreakElaborate houses, immense crops, herds and herds of livestock, and a truly eclectic collection of stuff. Can you guess what this might describe? If you said FarmVille, a game played... By Tonya Hidalgo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Fatigue: The Silent SymptomWhile dyspnea (labored or shortness of breath) is often the most experienced, and most recognized, symptom of COPD, fatigue, or lack of energy, is frequently cited as an even more... By Stephanie Huston3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments14 comments
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 showing up was: “There is no cure.” Those... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Pursed-Lips Are Not Just for Kissing!Many individuals with COPD experience shortness of breath, which can make them feel anxious and frightened. While there is no cure for COPD, there are ways to manage and control... By Ann D. Cuccia, MPH RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments9 comments
COPD in America 2015The COPD In America 2015 online survey was conducted to gather insights from over 1,700 individuals currently diagnosed as having COPD, Emphysema or Chronic Bronchitis in hopes of painting an... By Editorial Team 1 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What NOT to Say to Chronically Ill People.Sometimes us with COPD find it hard getting others to recognize we have a disabling, chronic illness. A recent photo of myself taken by my wife Lynne has me looking very... By derekc3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Texting Instead of TalkingMaybe you’re not well versed in the latest gadgets, and maybe you don’t want to be. That is okay for most things, but this is something that I urge you... By Tonya Hidalgo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Check The Oxygen EquipmentAs the dependence for oxygen grows, it becomes more and more important that the equipment is working properly. This is not something that should be taken lightly. I can speak... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Some of Our First ThoughtsMy mother was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in 1997. We knew very little about the disease then, and honestly, medicine has come a long way since then as... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Staying Active is KeyOne of the subjects I mentioned is 'death by couch'. That can sound disturbing and alarming. But remember as I have had COPD since 1987 I am convinced the only... By derekc3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Basics For Caregivers: TerminologyWhat exactly is a caregiver? A caregiver is defined by the Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary as “a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill).”... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Tips for Improving Communication With Your PhysicianResults of the COPD In America 2015 Study reported that almost a third of respondents were unaware of the stage of their COPD when they were diagnosed, and a similar... By Stephanie Huston3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Basics for Caregivers: EquipmentThere will be an increasing number of pieces of equipment as your patient progresses. As each piece is added, it is important to think about your patient. Not only is... By Tonya Hidalgo4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Never Doubt The Resilience of a ChildWhen I found out that I was pregnant, mom had just come home from a three week hospital stay. At that time, her care was very hands-on. She was almost... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Let's Talk COPDMy diagnosis of COPD during 1987 was an unremarkable affair. The doctor informed me after tests for repeated bronchitis and shortness of breath that I had mild COPD. Prescribed an inhaler... By derekc3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
So You Have COPD...I am not going to welcome you to club COPD. After all, none of us want to be here. But as we are here, simple rules have to be learned... By derekc3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments