COPD360social welcomes new member Berkley Patty who joins 65,551 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฅฆ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday ๐Ÿฅฆ๐ŸŒฟ

Did you know Wednesday is Eat Your Vegetables Day?

For this week's Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday, let's celebrate all things green!

Whether it's a favorite garden, a farmers market, a backyard tomato plant, a delicious salad, a plate full of colorful vegetables, or simply a beautiful green view outside your window, we'd love to see it.

Good nutrition is an important part of overall health, especially when living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM. And let's not forget our amazing caregivers, who often spend so much time caring for others that they forget to care for themselves, too.

This week, let's share a little inspiration from our corners of the world:

๐Ÿฅฌ A favorite vegetable or healthy meal
๐ŸŒฑ A garden or plant you're growing
๐Ÿ… A farmers market find
๐ŸŒณ A beautiful green outdoor view
๐Ÿ’š Anything green that brings a smile to your day

Snap a photo and tell us a little about it. We can't wait to see what "green" looks like in your corner of the world!

๐Ÿ“ธ What's growing, blooming, cooking, or thriving where you are?

23 hours ago

Mom.Ellen

Mom.Ellenasked the question: Does pulmonary rehab help?

I was recently enrolled in virtual pulmonary rehab which has given me hope; I have severe COPD and was recommended double lung transplant, but that is too aggressive for me. I start virtual (on line) pulmonary rehab Monday, July 6th. If you have received …

7 minutes ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

๐Ÿซ๐ŸซBLUEBERRY AGUA FRESCA๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿฏ2 cups water1 pint blueberries, rinsedIce1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tbsp. honeyMint leaves for garnishPlace the water and blueberries in a blender. Blend until smooth. Fill 2 glasses with ice. Set a mesh...

3 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, friends! Find the beauty in today! That beauty will carry you through today, and the rest of the week! ๐Ÿ˜

8 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Iโ€™ve never seen kohlrabi before but would probably enjoy it, since I like turnips.  Iโ€™m not sure H or others in this household would like it, as they tend not to like turnips as much.  Maybe Whole Foods might have it.  Hmmmm.

16 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

This sounds good, I will have to look for Kohlrabi since I do not raise them anymore....

17 hours ago

brydy

brydycommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

never tried soup with it but saving this to try! thxs Debbie. I will share how to make Shilbato I make if anyone is interested? ...

20 hours ago

UK Lynn

UK Lynn

Hi just wondered if I could have advice please. Several years ago I was diagnosed with emphysema after a pulmonary angiogram later confirmed by spirometry. Recently I had a low dose CT scan and was pleased to receive a letter saying "no smoking damage come back in 2 years". I was obviously pleased but confused. As I thought that emphysema IS smoking damage although I haven't smoked for 20 years. My FEV1 is higher than predicted according to nurse.

20 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

If I can find kohlrabi in my grocery, I'll give this recipe a try :-)...

22 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

Today we have a Special Edition recipe! In honor of brydy's kohlrabi, and Brandon's post, may I present: ๐Ÿฅ„๐Ÿฅ„๐Ÿฅ„KOHLRABI SOUP๐Ÿฅ„๐Ÿฅ„๐Ÿฅ„1 medium kohlrabi, peeled and cubed, with leaves, trimmed and finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped1 medium...

22 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Constrictive clothing

I have traded my blue jeans in for elastic-waisted knit pants, capris, and shorts.
WildebeestHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainKathy1221and 20 others also answered the question Wildebeestand 22 others also answered the question

23 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

๐Ÿ…TOMATO AND BEAN SALAD๐Ÿ… 6 ounces fresh wax beans, green beans, or a combination of the two 1/2 tsp. salt1 tbsp. lemon juice1/2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 small garlic clove, minced Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday, friends! Wishing everyone a day that keeps getting better as the day rolls on! Enjoy it! ๐Ÿคฉ

1 day ago

ChrissyLu

ChrissyLu

Hi everyone..So glad to have found this group.  I've been saving up all my questions just in case I ever had an opportunity to ask them, so here I go! My husband was recently dx with COPD.  Besides knowing how to dress in layers to tolerate the temperature in the ER after multiple visits (!),  we've also learned a lot in a short amount of time regarding how many machines can be necessary for maintenance of symptoms, how to cross-train each other on every aspect of treatment, etc.  Tho I worked in the healthcare field & took care of both parents for a decade before COPD caught up with my husband, this is different.  I'm shifting roles as his wife, his friend (sometimes frenemy!), dog mom, mom's daughter (She's still living), and have a few medical challenges of my own. Right now, my husband is processing the diagnosis, and is testing the boundaries of whether he "really needs" to wear his oxygen 24/7 when we go anywhere (picking up rxes, etc).  Of course, if I point out the obvious, then his frustration is towards me.  I'm sure many of you are in the same situation. I do understand that, and want to keep my energy and sanity intact, so any suggestions on how to streamline the other responsibilities in all our lives (shopping,  house & kitchen work, etc.) would be helpful.  I just ordered an over-the-door clear slotted organizer to use for need-to-know info/manuals/instructions for each machine, and also a rechargeable light-weight vacuum in order to vacuum the bedroom carpet every morning, etc.  We live in the southwest where we have different types of dust storms, as well as high heat, so we at least know how to deal with those triggers.  I look forward to reading what ideas other members can share with me.  Thank you.  

1 day ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments10 comment(s)
  • Lucy kI am on 24/7 oxygen.  I don't worry about it anymore.  It's keeping me alive and my brain and vital organs functioning! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’•19 hours ago
  • ChrissyLuWow--wonderful information from all of you-thx!  Just reading these responses makes me feel calmer than I have been for a few days.  Great ideas about shopping options, getting a referral for pulmonary rehab, and finding resources to help us along this journey.  I also appreciated hearing from Jean053 that loving my husband where he's at is more effective [& kind] than nagging.  I did apologize to him the other day when I realized I was attempting to make sure he followed every "rule" the experts have told him to follow (out of my own fear of his situation).  Today, I stopped at the garden nursery on my way home from a dr's appt. The combination of being in a spot of nature and bringing a piece of it home with me felt wonderful.  I bought a lantana for my husband, and asked him to choose where it would be planted, so he can watch it grow whether he's inside or out.  I was totally amazed that the world didn't collapse just because I stole a few extra minutes to live life.  12 hours ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI am so happy that you stopped at the garden nursery! What a wonderful way to take some time out! Lantana is one of my very favorites! Which color variety did you choose? ๐Ÿ˜Š8 hours ago
Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMonday Music you can relate to.
Frank Sinatra That's Life
https://www.sinatra.com/video/frank-sinatra-thats-life-sinatra-a-man-and-his-music-part-ii/

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

You're welcome, Tara! Enjoy! ๐Ÿ˜Š...

1 day ago

Jackie Red

Jackie Red

I went to a Pulmonologist and she rated my emphysema as not very bad so my insurance wonโ€™t let me go to pulmonary rehab.  She is a Nurse Practitioner.  She ordered an Ultrasound for my heart.  Plus prescribed Trilegy over Breo 200/50.  The Trilegy is $50 approximately more expensive but it seems I am doing ok on it.  What I am wondering is do I need to see a Pulmonologist if my Emphysema isnโ€™t that bad?  I donโ€™t have a job right now and am on a lot of other medications for another issue and my husbandโ€™s insurance doesnโ€™t cover anything until we meet a $5,000 deductible.  He has worked for three furniture companies that have gone bankrupt and right now heโ€™s not making much in furniture sales.  I just wanted to see what everyone suggests.  Is it still important for me to go to a Pulmonologist even though I canโ€™t go to Pulmonary Rehab?  Thanks so much!

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captaincommented onListening to Your Lungs: When Itโ€™s Time to Speak Up

If you have frequent flare ups (say 1-6/year) talk with your med team about treatment options. Some patients take maintenance antibiotics (azithromycin), some take daliresp, some take biologics. Itโ€™s worth having a discussion to see if any of these...

1 day ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communicationscommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

Ok I have way too many avocados right now and will definitely be making this. Thanks, Debbie!!...

1 day ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragon

Just read all your comments OMG thanks friends.

2 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Listening to Your Lungs: When Itโ€™s Time to Speak Up

This article was written by Arnelle Konde, MPH, CHES.

Delayed care after a COPD flare-up can be dangerous. Waiting too long to address worsening symptoms is linked to more hospital visits and a higher risk of death.1,4 Early treatment, on the other hand, can improve outcomes and even shorten recovery time.1,4

Even if you have lived with COPD for years, you can miss subtle changes in how you feel. Symptoms may creep up slowly or not seem "serious enough" to mention. But even subtle changes may be a sign that your condition may be unstable. Speaking up early can help protect your lung function, independence, and quality of life.

When Changes May Mean Something More

It is normal to have good days and bad days with COPD. But if something feels off or different from your usual pattern, it's worth paying attention.

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒค๏ธ Happy Monday, COPD360social!

We're halfway through June, and for many of us, that means warmer temperatures, higher humidity, pop-up storms, changing air quality, and plenty of unpredictable weather.

As people living with COPDโ€”or caring for someone who doesโ€”we know that weather can sometimes have a way of making itself known.

โ˜€ Heat can leave us feeling drained.
๐ŸŒง๏ธ Humidity can make breathing feel more difficult.
๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Wind can stir up pollen, dust, and irritants.
โ›ˆ๏ธ Storms can bring sudden changes in pressure and air quality.

While we can't control the weather, we can prepare for it.

๐Ÿ’™ Keep an eye on the forecast.
๐Ÿ’™ Have your medications and inhalers nearby.
๐Ÿ’™ Stay hydrated.
๐Ÿ’™ Pace yourself on hot or humid days.
๐Ÿ’™ Listen to your body and give yourself permission to slow down when needed.

As we start a new week, let's check in with one another:

๐Ÿ“ Where are you checking in from?
๐ŸŒค๏ธ What's the weather like in your area this week?
๐Ÿซ Does heat, humidity, storms, or changing weather affect your breathing?
๐Ÿ’ก What tips have helped you manage symptoms when the weather doesn't cooperate?

Let's share what works and help each other head into the week feeling prepared and supported.

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments13 comment(s)
  • brydyit was really oppressive for sure Jean. esp for over a week, 1 day was 44C its very unusual for June, generally we get a few very hot humid weeks in August but not this early. like Brandon said its looking like a very hot summer for many I think maybe due to the super el niล„o. fortunately its much better this week, & we got some much needed rain. the corn fields sure shot up after the rain so they were def thirsty! 
    agree re the spritzing idea Debbie suggested, I will have to give that a try too! 1 day ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainbrydy, we do what we can to avoid being "overheated". It's so nice to read other members tips! They are very helpful! ๐Ÿฅตโžก๐ŸงŠโžก๐Ÿ˜Š1 day ago
  • WildebeestI'm in the UK and we've had a weird summer so far. A few days of heatwave early in May and then weather cold enough that the heating came back on. Now it is warming up again and feeling a bit muggy. Thunderstorms are forecast and then another heatwave. Fortunately we have AC in our home, which is fairly unusual for the UK but it really helps at night. I can't bear being too cold but being able to keep the house at a constant temperature year round is helpful. I've noticed that humidity gets to me these days. I don't necessarily notice it in my breathing (probably because I pace myself) but my heart rate during my exercise session this morning was slightly higher than usual.1 day ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

๐Ÿฅ‘EASY AVOCADO LIME CREMA๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Juice of 1 lime1/4 cup fresh cilantro 1 to 2 tbsp. water, as neededPlace ingredients in a blender, blending until smooth, and adding 1 tbsp. water...

2 days ago

Kikilee100

Kikilee100

๐Ÿ˜‰

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, everyone! 
A great big Hello to all of our members, and a great big Welcome to our newest members! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Wishing all of you a positively awesome day! ๐Ÿคฉ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainPositive thought of the day:

2 days ago

LFAOMGA

LFAOMGA

Just received tornado warnings on my phone. .Iโ€™m .headed for my basement now 

2 days ago

Medical Advice

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.