COPD360social welcomes new member Howard Cansler who joins 65,111 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

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?

8 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒž Alrightโ€ฆ who opened the door and let โ€œoutsideโ€ back in?! ๐ŸŒฟ

You can feel it sneaking inโ€ฆ
Warmer air, a little sunshine, and that voice saying, โ€œHeyโ€ฆ maybe we should go sit outside for a bit.โ€

And honestly? Not a bad idea.

But as we trade in cozy indoor days for a little fresh air, it helps to be just a tiny bit strategicโ€”so the only thing taking your breath away is the view ๐Ÿ˜‰

Here are a few โ€œoutside survival tipsโ€ (COPD edition):

๐Ÿงƒ Hydrate like itโ€™s your sidekick
Water = your quiet MVP. Bring it along before the sun decides to show off.

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Check the air before you go
Some days look beautifulโ€ฆ but your lungs may disagree. A quick air quality check can save you a rough afternoon.

๐Ÿงข Dress like you mean it
Light layers, a hat, maybe some sunglasses - basically your โ€œIโ€™ve got this handledโ€ outfit.

๐Ÿซ Donโ€™t forget your essentials
Inhaler? Oxygen? That one thing you always need but almost forget? Yep - grab it now.
Keep those inhalers nearby - so the fun can keep rolling and your breathing stays right there with it.

๐Ÿช‘ Scout your โ€œpause spotsโ€
Benches, shade, or your favorite chair - because pacing yourself is not quitting, itโ€™s winning.

๐Ÿข Take it slow (this is not a race)
Todayโ€™s goal: enjoy the moment. Not โ€œpower through and regret it later.โ€

๐ŸŒผ Your turn:
Whatโ€™s your must-have when you head outside?
(Extra points if itโ€™s something funโ€ฆ or something you learned the hard way ๐Ÿ˜„)

Weโ€™ve waited a long time for these daysโ€ฆ
No rush - just step outside when youโ€™re ready and enjoy it your way ๐Ÿ’›

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Supporting a Loved One With Allergies at Home

I have 2 honeywell air cleaners. One upstairs and one down. They help significantly.
JazzybeanTom.E also answered the question Jazzybeanand 1 other also answered the question

29 minutes ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Any updates on Nucala Experience?

Well, the issue of potentially taking my biologic while traveling is moot as CVS Specialty wonโ€™t deliver to Japan.
janab72Ruth Tal-Singer, PhD BlairTand 3 others also answered the question janab72and 5 others also answered the question

1 hour ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฅฃSALMON QUINOA BOWL๐Ÿฅฃ5 fresh Brussels sprouts, very thinly sliced 1 tsp. olive oilSalt and pepper to taste 3 ounces salmon, skin removed2/3 cup cooked quinoa, at room temperature 1 tsp. unseasoned rice vinegar 1 small avocado, cubed1 tbsp....

3 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question Check-in: Are you protecting your lungs at work?

Hmmmm.... This always makes me wonder. I smoked for many years and was diagnosed with asthma in my 50s. I may have been destined for a COPD diagnosis, but the year I was diagnosed with COPD (2017/2018), there were environmental factors that I believe …
JazzybeanKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question Jazzybeanand 2 others also answered the question

8 hours ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHappy Volunteer Appreciation Week everyone! The COPD Foundation says THANK YOU to our huge network of volunteers, including our 100+ Captains, who dedicate their talents and time to making life better for those impacted by chronic lung disease. You are a critical part of our mission at the COPD Foundation and we couldn't do it without you!

Are you interested in volunteering with the COPD Foundation? If you, you can learn more here: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Get-Involved/Volunteer-with-Us.aspx

11 hours ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Monday music to move into a new week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE-tne5U



11 hours ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: Are you protecting your lungs at work?

Your job can have a big impact on your lung health. Many people think of COPD as a smokerโ€™s disease, but a lot of factors can contribute to chronic lung conditions. Aside from smoking, one of the biggest risk factors can come from your job. At work, …

13 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŒŸRECIPE FOR SUCCESS๐ŸŒŸ1 cup positive vibes 1 jumbo CAN-DO attitude 1 cup self esteem1 cup self confidence 1 heaping handful energy1 great BIG smilePlace all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Grab a magic wand ๐Ÿช„ โœจ๏ธ Dip it into...

13 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy magnificent Monday, friends! I thought I saw something sparkling โœจ๏ธ when I entered 360Social. Yes, I did! Wearing that bright smile will make everyone's day better! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Keep a smile on your face, and you'll always be in the right place! ๐Ÿ˜€

17 hours ago

ansi23

ansi23asked the question: Supporting a Loved One With Allergies at Home

I am new to this community and here to learn. Someone close to me has been struggling with allergies at home, especially from dust, pollen and pet dander. It is affecting daily comfort, particularly in shared living spaces like the bedroom and living …

21 hours ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestanswered the question Check-In: Have you tried meditation?

If you have trauma history it is wise to approach meditation slowly and carefully, and don't think you have 'failed' if you don't find traditional approaches as helpful as you expected. As Arnelle has said, there are lots of different approaches you can …
Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications also answered the question Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday to all of our wonderful members! ๐Ÿ˜€
Today is a good day to relax and replenish. I'll bet you've got a cozy chair to lounge in! 
Keep those positive thoughts flowing.  There is so much to look forward to each and every day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question PFT with allergy/primary doctor

Peoples lung function numbers can change by up to 10% daily and portable spirometers tend to be less accurate than "full size" models. Prediction equations can vary between offices- do you have the actual numbers of FEV1 and FVC? I'd wait to see the new …

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I just saw an article about the tornadoes in the Midwest last night and hope our members who live in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois and any other state affected are OK.  

2 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: PFT with allergy/primary doctor

So I had posted my pft results from November (done by pulmonologist) where basically fev1 was 85%, fvc was 100% and fev1/fvc was 65%. Well had test done yesterday at allergy doctor on portable unit and those results were much lower. Fev1 was only 66%, …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! Don't forget to sneak in some time for fun on this wonderful day! Keep on smiling! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

Milo's Mom

Milo's Momanswered the question Trelegy has been a miracle!

Trelegy has been my miracle too! I had been using Symbicort and Albuterol for past 3 years, but still suffered from a lot of shortness of breath and low oxygen levels with very little exertion. I was able to tell a difference the first day I took Trelegy …
AnonymousTmM0930perkyHand 5 others also answered the question Anonymousand 7 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonOne more because l missed last weeks fluffy Friday,here is Teddy again on his ottoman,protector.

3 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonFluffy Friday again,,time is warping by,here is Molly and Teddy watching TV they did this for hours at a time especially their favorite bear rescue show. Deep breaths for today for all..

3 days ago

Arnelle Konde (COPDF Education Coordinator)

Arnelle Konde (COPDF Education Coordinator)asked the question: Check-In: Have you tried meditation?

Stress and anxiety are common problems for people living with COPD. Physical symptoms like shortness of breath can cause stress or make it feel worse. Do you have a hard time slowing down and feeling calm? Many people find that meditation helps. What is …

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸก๐ŸŸกPEANUT BUTTER DIP๐ŸŸก๐ŸŸก1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1 tbsp. honey1/4 tsp. cinnamon In a small bowl, stir together all ingredients until no lumps remain. Transfer to a serving bowl.Serve with sliced apples, pears,...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from a nice group of pond sliders, courtesy of my sister Lori! ๐Ÿข
Have a beautiful day, friends! ๐ŸŒž 

3 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question RV/TLC nomral but elevated RV, FRCpl... is this concerning?

This is completely normal. The higher RV and FRC are proportional to the FVC and FEV1- so that's OK.
das23 also answered the question das23 also answered the question

4 days ago

anniemae

anniemaeasked the question: RV/TLC nomral but elevated RV, FRCpl... is this concerning?

I did use a good amount of effort on the test. After visit report says no evidence of obstruction or restriction. I asked follow up about some of the numbers but didnt get much further clarification from the pulmonologist. SPIROMETRY : FVC 115% ; FEV1 …

4 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

A little late to celebrate Wear Your Pajamas to Work Dayโ€ฆ but still a good excuse for a smile ๐Ÿ˜„

For those working from homeโ€”or remotelyโ€”it might just be called Thursday.

Pajamas = the new business casual โœ”
Comfort = always in style โœ”

So tell usโ€ฆ are you on-screen ready, or still rocking the PJs today? ๐Ÿ‘‡

4 days ago

Heidi65

Heidi65

Hello I am new to this websiteโ€ฆ I was diagnosed with COPD in 2009โ€ฆ. 

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ‘๐Ÿฅ‘AVOCADO DRESSING๐Ÿฅ‘๐Ÿฅ‘1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted3/4 cup water1/4 cup olive oil3 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. fresh dill1 small garlic clove, peeled1/2 tsp. saltFreshly ground black pepper to taste Place all ingredients in a blender....

4 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.