COPD360social welcomes new member peacefulpilgrim who joins 64,487 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Moving into January with intention โ€” a mental health check-in for COPD360social ๐Ÿ’›

As we move into January, many living with COPD find this month to be a quieter time after a busy season โ€” a chance to pause, catch our breath, and ease back into routine. January doesnโ€™t have to be about big changes; it can simply be about taking care of yourself where you are.

A few gentle ways to approach January:

โ€ข Start where you are
Thereโ€™s no rush. January can be about settling in, listening to your body, and honoring what you need right now.

โ€ข Choose small, supportive intentions
Instead of big goals, consider simple intentions โ€” protecting your energy, staying on top of medications, or allowing yourself extra rest.

โ€ข Release the guilt
Cold weather, shorter days, and COPD can make January feel heavier. Needing more rest or saying no to plans is part of caring for both your lungs and your mental well-being.

โ€ข Notice the small moments
A calm morning, a steadier breathing day, a warm drink, or a kind comment here in the community โ€” those moments matter.

โ€ข Move forward together
Youโ€™re not navigating this month alone. Whether youโ€™re sharing, reading, or simply showing up, being part of this community counts.

As we move through January, taking things one day at a time is more than enough. ๐Ÿ’™

4 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHi everyone! According to the white paper "COPD in America" by the COPD Action Alliance, half of individuals living with COPD remain undiagnosed, limiting treatment options and worsening outcomes. The COPD Foundation has resources for those diagnosed with COPD here: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-New-to-COPD/Newly-Diagnosed.aspx 

How can we reach the millions of Americans who are undiagnosed and living with COPD?

Newly Diagnosed with COPD

Once you know you have COPD and begin treatment, there are many things you should consider doing. These tips will not only help improve your breathing but may slow down your disease.

5 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captainanswered the question Advice to get back

One step at a time.
GAnneWildebeestalexa19and 4 others also answered the question GAnneand 6 others also answered the question

1 hour ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Smoothies

I am not sure about Boost, but Ensure does not have milk in it.
GAnnealexa19 also answered the question GAnneand 1 other also answered the question

4 hours ago

Dinna25

Dinna25answered the question Albuterol

Hi Vipor I'm no expert, just a copd patient learning as i go with help from the group. I have Trimbow 2 puffs morning and night, this raises my heart rate when i first inhale but since posts on this i have watched, heart rate returns to normal within 1 …
DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainBarealexa19 also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

9 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, everyone! Do you know who makes 360Social a special place to visit? YOU DO! Each and every one of you! 
Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and make yourself at home!
โ˜• ๐Ÿ›‹ ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

14 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I am trying very hard to stay up until bedtime.   Since the onset of this infection, I have slept most of the day and night.  I usually arise before 7 and have been having a mid-morning nap at around 11 or 12 and then another one around 4pm.  I had my morning nap and now I am trying to stay awake until time to go to bed.

22 hours ago

Dinna25

Dinna25asked the question: Advice to get back

Hi all Happy new year to you all. Just some advice really, I have been poorly so any exercise went outta window. I am now starting to feel better and today thought exercises but failed miserably to maintain the level i was at, so annoyed as i was …

1 day ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Smoothies

does anyone do smoothies with TJ or without milk. I got one the other day that had fruit juice,, bananas and strawberries, with whey protein. Was large so I ended up making 3 out of it just adding more juice and fruit. It was like the coldness helped me …

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainThis is a short video (with transcript) from MedScape about the impact of cold weather on COPD:

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/quick-take-impact-cold-weather-copd-2025a10010u7?ecd=wnl_edit_tpal_etid8019072&uac=153334SK&impID=8019072

Quick Take: Impact of Cold Weather on COPD

Dr Neena Chandrasekaran discusses the impact of cold weather on COPD.

1 day ago

alexa19

alexa19answered the question Fef25-75% and IC both low?

Thank you very much for your warm welcome :) Happy to be here
Kmcnamara68David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question Kmcnamara68and 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜„ Fluffy Friday with Jagger ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿพ

Jaggerโ€™s been sitting here looking extra thoughtful today, clearly working out his big plans for the coming year โ€” mostly all the clever ways he can earn maximum treats with minimal effort. ๐Ÿฆด๐Ÿ˜„

Jasmine, meanwhile, is fully relaxed and letting him handle the big ideas todayโ€ฆ which mostly seem to involve treats, snacks, and a solid nap schedule.

So far, his strategy appears to be looking irresistibly cute, supervising everything without actually helping, and gently reminding everyone that treats are always a good idea.

Wishing you an easier-breathing weekend ahead and your own perfectly deserved version of treats โ€” whether theyโ€™re earned, negotiated, or just magically appear.

Happy Fluffy Friday, and hereโ€™s to a great weekend! ๐Ÿพโœจ

1 day ago

Carlene1963

Carlene1963

Itโ€™s an ok day. Trying to get housework done. Having to take a lot of breaks 

1 day ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Is anyone using 3% sodium chloride in a compressor with nebulizer?

I use a saline solution in nebulizer. As for the pain in head and dizziness, I have felt the pain in head when I used a 7% saline solution in a nasal rinse, but have never used more than 3% in nebulizer.
alexa19HIcopd - Hawaii State Captaindas23 also answered the question alexa19and 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ‘‹ Welcome to our community โ€” especially to our newest members!

We love seeing people jump in and engage, and weโ€™re grateful for the lived experiences everyone brings. As a gentle reminder, this space is centered on support, shared experiences, and learning from one another โ€” not on diagnosing or directing someone elseโ€™s medical care.

When joining in, we encourage taking a moment to introduce yourself, get to know the flow of the community, and share from your own personal experience rather than from a place of authority. Each personโ€™s health journey is unique, and medical guidance should always come from a healthcare professional.

Thank you for helping keep this space welcoming, respectful, and supportive for all. Weโ€™re glad youโ€™re here and look forward to getting to know you. ๐Ÿ’›

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โ†ช๏ธEASY BLACK BEAN DIPโ†ฉ๏ธTwo 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained 3/4 cup salsa4 small garlic cloves, minced2 tsp. lime juice 1 tsp. cumin1 tsp. water Dash salt1/4 cup minced cilantroPlace the beans, salsa, garlic, lime juice, cumin,...

1 day ago

Robdabank

Robdabank

Hey I'm new here and recently been diagnosed with mild COPD any advice for me would be appreciated. I use prescribed inhalers and have a good nurse at the GP Surgery but made the mistake this week and went out in 0ยฐ temp in UK and couldn't get to far, rushing on foot, gasping for breath and had to keep stopping. Learnt a lesson the hard way there.  Look forward to any helpful comments.๐Ÿ™

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from a fun loving Boxer! 
Yes, we keep on rolling along! Keep moving forward, and have a productive, easy breathing day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

alexa19

alexa19answered the question Head Pressure/Pain when coughing

Yes DebbieB, Thank you for pointing that out. :-)
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

Viper

Viperasked the question: Albuterol

I previously posted a question about Albuterol side effects. Here is what I discovered. After questioning Albuterol side effects. I realized with the help of members. Albuterol may have been causing me issues. Specifically tachycardia, increased tremors …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿฅ’HYDRATING COOLER๐Ÿฅ’๐Ÿ‰Yes! It's important to keep hydrated in the Winter! You can find watermelon in many grocery stores or farmers markets, in the produce section.6 cups cubed watermelon, plus wedges for garnish1 English cucumber, peeled...

2 days ago

alexa19

alexa19answered the question Mild Obstruction Severe Persistent Asthma

Hello mebeal321 , I am not a medical professional. I have recently joined this community as I am also a former lung disease patient. I experienced a severe case of pneumonia and required treatment with Symbicort for several months in order to stabilize …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )das23 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy, happy Thursday! Today is your day to sparkle and shine! Let all of that joy out with a big smile, then share your happiness with everyone! Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHi everyone! Our priority supplemental oxygen bill, the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R.2902), has been included on the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee's agenda for an upcoming discussion patient access to Medicare services. This meeting is taking place tomorrow, January 8, at 10:15am ET. You can tune into the livestream of this meeting tomorrow using this link: https://energycommerce.house.gov/events/health-subcommittee-legislative-proposals-to-support-patient-access-to-medicare-services 

This bill's inclusion on the subcommittee's agenda exemplifies the SOAR Act's legislative progress and is a testament to the persistence and dedication of our network of advocates. We will continue to provide progress updates for the SOAR Act and share ways you can advocate for the passage of this critical bill.

Health Subcommittee: Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Medicare Services

The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.

3 days ago

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Severe COPD, abuteral and Afrin alternative

You can ask your doctor about ipratropium (atrovent) - which is an alternative to albuterol. Have you tried nasal steroids (Flonase or similar)
Tom.E also answered the question Tom.E also answered the question

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Itโ€™s VMCotWW! ๐ŸŒโœจ
Weโ€™d love to see a glimpse into your world today. Share a view that brings you joy, comfort, or a smileโ€”whether itโ€™s something right outside your window, a favorite spot at home, a peaceful moment on a walk, or a place that lifts your spirits.

Your corner of the world is part of what makes this community so special, and seeing it through your eyes helps us feel a little more connected. We canโ€™t wait to see what makes you smile today. ๐Ÿ˜Š

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„โšซ๏ธBLACK BEAN SOUPโšซ๏ธ๐Ÿฅ„ 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped Half of a small onion, finely chopped 1 tsp. cumin1/2 tsp. chili powder1/2 tsp. dried cilantro Two 15-ounce cans black beans and their liquid One 14.5-ounce can diced...

3 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Fef25-75% and IC both low?

I posted my PFT follow up results here a short while ago. This was done after a flare I had in October. While all the numbers remained the same as last one in 2019, even a little better, I don't feel the same physically. I noticed that my IC is slightly …

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Happy Wednesday, friends! 
Remember, you ARE strong! You can handle anything life throws at you. Br prepared, and "think through before you do"! Your strength is contagious and encouraging to others!
Have an awesome day, everyone! ๐Ÿคฉ

3 days ago

mebeal321

mebeal321asked the question: Mild Obstruction Severe Persistent Asthma

I am a 33 M. I was a heavy smoker of mostly weed for 16 years, I would never smoke tobacco by myself i only did it when at the beginning of smoking with friends and never made it a habit. Started smoking when i was 16. When i was younger i has exercise …

3 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.