COPD360social welcomes new member Wyocopd who joins 65,131 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday โ€“ Earth Day Edition ๐ŸŒฟ

Okayโ€ฆ today feels like the perfect day to take this somewhere special.

In honor of Earth Day, letโ€™s turn our corners into little windows of the world around us ๐ŸŒ

Your โ€œcorner๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ today can be anything that connects you to this amazing planet we call homeโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ“ธ A favorite outdoor spot
๐ŸŒณ A tree or garden that makes you smile
๐ŸŒ… A sunrise or sunset you caught at just the right moment
๐ŸŒฆ๏ธ Even the view from your chair looking outside

Or heyโ€ฆ even something small that reminds you to pause and appreciate it all ๐Ÿ’š

Because just like we take a moment today to appreciate the Earthโ€ฆ
itโ€™s a good reminder to slow down, breathe, and take in whatโ€™s around usโ€”whatever that may look like for you.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Drop your photo below and tell us:
What makes your corner of the world feel like your place?

Letโ€™s take a little trip around the world together todayโ€”one corner at a time ๐ŸŒŽโœจ

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’Š Ever wish your prescription costs didnโ€™t hit all at once?

Thereโ€™s a newer Medicare option called the Prescription Payment Plan (also known as โ€œsmoothingโ€) thatโ€™s designed to do just that.

Instead of paying larger amounts at the pharmacy, this program spreads your medication costs out into more manageable monthly payments.

Hereโ€™s how it works in simple terms:

โ€ข You may pay $0 at the pharmacy for covered Part D medications
โ€ข Your Medicare drug plan sends you a monthly bill instead
โ€ข Your payment amount can change if your prescriptions change
โ€ข Itโ€™s free to enroll, but it doesnโ€™t lower your total costโ€”just spreads it out

For many, this can make budgeting a little easier, especially if medication costs tend to stack up early in the year.

Itโ€™s completely optional, and you can sign up anytimeโ€”but getting started earlier may help you get the most benefit.

Your insight could be exactly what someone else needs to hear right now.

๐Ÿ‘‡ Weโ€™d really value your experience:
Have you looked into this program or signed up already? Whatโ€™s it been like for you?

๐Ÿ”— Jump into the conversation here:
https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Have-you-signed-up-for-the-Medicare-Prescription-Payment-Plan-MPPP-.aspx

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), also called smoothing? Why or why not?

3 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68answered the question Most recent PFT results from today

So she said wouldn't call this copd but asthma being affected by environmental allergies. I had used albuterol several hours before test though

36 minutes ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onIs It a Flare-Up?

Excellent article Arnelle - Thanks!!...

38 minutes ago

DaisyBelle

DaisyBelle

Good afternoon everyone.


I joined the COPD360social today and am glad to have found you! 


You will see that I may โ€œspeakโ€ occasionally, but am pretty quiet๐Ÿ˜Š


Thank you for having me.

3 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manageradded a new article Eating legumes, soy products may help improve COPD symptoms

Isoflavones in these foods may reduce inflammation for people with COPD

Miami (April 23, 2026) - Consuming legumes and soy-based foods may help improve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing inflammation and irritation, according to a new study in the March 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a progressive, inflammatory lung disease that affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Previous research has identified diet and nutrition as modifiable risk factors for chronic lung disease, including COPD.

This new study examined how increased isoflavone consumption impacted participants' breathing symptoms, cough, and overall lung health. Isoflavones are a natural substance, commonly found in legumes and soy-based foods.

5 hours ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonToday feels like it's going to be a take one off the bucket list day.All those things we have been putting off are going to have to get accomplished.Regrets never really fade do they,always around asking what if.
Hope you all can take your what ifs and turn them into been there done that's...

6 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Thanks, Karen! It's very easy to prepare! ๐Ÿ™‚...

6 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

This sounds very good!! Thanks, Debbie :-)...

7 hours ago

das23

das23commented onIs It a Flare-Up?

Thanks Arnelle...

7 hours ago

ssk1256

ssk1256

Glad to find the COPD Foundation. I was diagnosed with COPD in 2017 when I had respiratory failure and ended up in the ICU for 9 days. They said they didn't know what I had and weren't sure I'd survive. But I came around. I was really told very little and was followed my a pulmonologist who did a spirometry test each year. This year I had respiratory failure again when I went skiing in Montana. 8000ft. I had been there several times before skiing and hiking - breathless here and there of course, but this time my pulse ox dropped to 65%. Went to the hospital, (at 3000 ft)  treated w steroids and breathing treatments for a couple of days. Went back to 8000 ft and skied the rest of the time. My pulse ox did not come back to normal once back at sea level. Finally, this year I pushed to get a full Pulmonary Function Test. I had to push to get it! Weird, I thought. All my numbers were ok except DLCO it was 57% in 2017 and now 50%. 


I quit smoking over 20 years ago although I did smoke from the age of 13 to 47. I've always been very active. Running (until 2017, then walking), working out, skiing, hiking, swimming, and now rock climbing. I'm waiting to see a specialist and hoping I'll be able to go back to altitude. 


I hope the specialist can give some good guidance. The person I went to before seemed very uninterested.


Nice to meet you all. Looking forward to hearing experiences and solutions!

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

GNOCCHI WITH SPRING VEGETABLES 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 8 ounces fresh white button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered 1 cup finely diced onion10 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces2 cloves garlic, minced1 tsp. salt1/2 tsp....

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday! Lots of positive vibes flowing here on 360Social! We've got friendly people, reliable and helpful information, answers to your questions, and peace of mind. Have a wonderful day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

13 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Well, got another Moderna NexSpike covid shot today (last one we got was 9/2025). We are leaving in 2 weeks for a monthlong trip and want as much protection as possible. Also got a polio booster a few weeks ago, because that was recommended as well. 

16 hours ago

Johnmal

Johnmal

I have COPD. Can I visit Yosemite national park?

23 hours ago

Kaseykat

Kaseykatanswered the question Is any else dealing with the pollen, are you wearing a mask?

Iโ€™m so scared to go outside. I do try to wear a mask but here in the last week I have let it slid and now I feel like Iโ€™m getting sick.
GAnneCaroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question GAnneand 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onIs It a Flare-Up?

Great article, Arnelle! Thank you!...

1 day ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonThink one day a year is enough?

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Is It a Flare-Up?

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

If you are living with COPD, you may experience symptoms that change daily. Some days, it may feel harder to breathe, or you may cough more than usual. But sometimes, these changes can mean something more seriousโ€”an exacerbation, also known as a flare-up.1 These flare-ups can have a major impact on your breathing, daily activities, and overall health. Knowing the warning signs and acting early can help you feel better and prevent a hospital stay.

What Is a COPD Flare-Up?

A COPD flare-up is a worsening of your usual symptoms1,2, such as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Mucus buildup

1 day ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonSob this morning going to just chill today,been busy taking out the old sound equipment and hooking up new,not a fan of change l guess.Not sure what is worse with this new diagnosis the actual harness of it or the two and a half month wait just to see an oncologist to map out a treatment plan.Our healthcare system is seriously broken for sure.
Happy thoughts and positive attitudes for today everyone,keep on trucking.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“1 cup whole frozen strawberries 1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 1 tbsp. almond butter2 tsp. honey1 tsp. vanilla extract 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth....

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHAPPY EARTH DAY!
๐ŸŒŽ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ๐Ÿฆ‹

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday! Wake up with a positive outlook, knowing there is plenty to look forward to. Set your mind to keep moving forward. Spread that joy everywhere you go! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Today is a great day!  Had a nice chat with my O2 supplier who will send me yet another machine that HOPEFULLY will meet my continuous flow for sleep needsโ€”being small & light enough to have in luggage while supplying sufficient O2. 


Then had breakfast and nice zoom call and then walked a mile around the neighborhood. Also bought 2 new Nonin pulse oximeters from ebay for under $50. 


Had a chat with my son and convinced him to pick us up at the JFK airport when we visit, so we arenโ€™t wrangling luggage on public transit. 


Otherwise, all is pretty good around here. Got a lung exercise device Iโ€™m evaluating and trying to decide what I think about it. It provides resistance inhaling and exhaling and you can adjust the amount of resistance. 

1 day ago

Abeba

Abeba

It Is Not My Lung โ€” It Is My Husband
Her answer showed me how many of our patients don't truly understand their condition.


Today, during a routine morning visit, a COPD patient reminded me of the gap we face as healthcare providers. She is a 60-year-old grandmother who never had the chance to attend school but incredibly expressive. I sat beside her and explained what COPD is, how smoke affects her lungs, and why her medications matter. After I finished, I asked,
โ€œDo you understand now?โ€ 
 She replied: โ€œDoctor, my problem is not the kitchen or the woodfire. My problem is my quarrel with my husband โ€” thatโ€™s what burned my heart.โ€


Her answer showed me how many of our patients donโ€™t truly understand their condition. Not because they donโ€™t want to โ€” but because their lives are overwhelmed by emotional, social, and economic struggles that overshadow the illness itself. 


Then I come to platforms like this one, where patients talk in detail about COPD, treatments, and techniques. And I feel the paradox โ€” two extremes of understanding and experience. It reminds me that COPD care is not only about lungs and medications. It is also about education, empathy, and meeting people where they are. 

2 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonHope everyone makes the most of their day,laugh,love and Cherish you are who you are.

2 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Lung Transplants as a Treatment for COPD

This article was written by Kalli Mago.

Some people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) get a lung transplant to help. In a lung transplant, doctors remove a diseased lung and replace it with a healthy lung from an organ donor.

A single lung transplant means replacing one lung, while both lungs are replaced in a double lung transplant. Whether someone gets a single or double transplant often depends on how many donated lungs are available and how many people are waiting. Studies show that double lung transplants can have an increased chance of long-term success.1

COPD is one of the most common reasons why people get lung transplants. From 1990 to 2017, people with COPD made up 36% of all lung transplants.1

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday! Today is going to be unbelievably awesome! Enjoy every minute! ๐Ÿ˜€

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.