COPD360social welcomes new member cocomo2357 who joins 64,808 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒธ March is Womenโ€™s History Month ๐ŸŒธ

This month we celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our world--through science, caregiving, advocacy, and everyday resilience. Their strength has opened doors, advanced medicine, and inspired generations.

In the lung health community, women play a powerful role. Many are patients navigating COPD, bronchiectasis, and other lung conditions with determination and courage. Many are caregivers supporting loved ones through difficult days. Others are researchers, respiratory therapists, nurses, doctors, and advocates working to improve treatments and quality of life.

Women have helped move lung health forward in meaningful ways--raising awareness, supporting research, and building communities where no one has to face a diagnosis alone.

๐Ÿ’™ This month, weโ€™d love to hear from you:

โ€ข Is there a woman who has inspired you on your health journey?
โ€ข Maybe a caregiver, doctor, friend, family member, or fellow community member?
โ€ข Or perhaps youโ€™re celebrating your own strength in living with lung disease.

Take a moment to recognize the women who make a difference every day. Their stories matter, and sharing them can inspire someone else who may need a little encouragement today.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Feel free to drop a comment and celebrate the amazing women in your life!

7 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’Š Quick Question for Our Community

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), sometimes called โ€œsmoothingโ€?

Itโ€™s meant to spread out your Part D medication costs over the year instead of paying more upfront.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you enrolled? Why or why not?
๐Ÿ‘‰ If you have, has it helped?

Your experience might really help someone else whoโ€™s trying to decide. As always, share only what youโ€™re comfortable with. 

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?

5 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Technical question about the COPD foundation website

And, if you want to view anyone's profile in entirety, simply turn your phone sideways, and view in landscape mode. Easy! 😀
Liza M also answered the question Liza M also answered the question

6 hours ago

Liza M

Liza Masked the question: Technical question about the COPD foundation website

Hello, I have some technical questions about this site. When I view profiles, I see thereโ€™s a section that says description. However, most descriptions are cut off and I cannot read them in their entirety. Is there a way to read the whole description? …

7 hours ago

Tammy55

Tammy55asked the question: Best nebulizer - and mouth piece??

After many nebulizers, and the first one i received from my oxygen supply company, just wondering if anyone else has good ideas. I use "Pari" nebulizer. it is labeled as used a high use daily. Mine has lasted for a couple years and i use up to 5 times a …

11 hours ago

Tammy55

Tammy55asked the question: Tracheitis - Any one else??

Just wondering if anyone else have run across a diagnosis of Tracheitis?? - Tammy

11 hours ago

Tammy55

Tammy55answered the question Personal question for ladies. I canโ€™t stand anything that is binding. So ladies this would be a bra.

I have found that there are some bras that have no wires and fit over my head. They are from Temu. some folks dont like the place i got them on line - from China, But they work! And have "big" sizes - for women like me. So getting a larger size is a …
JeanO53DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question JeanO53and 1 other also answered the question

11 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Pulmonary rehab

If you search here on the site, I think you'll find lots of posts on the benefits of pulmonary rehab. It's been proven to be (along with not using any tobaacco products) the best way to slow or prevent further progression and also to provide education …

12 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Pulmonary rehab

Just wondering about other's experiences with this. I am in the process of finding a new pulmonologist and hoping to find one who believes in the benefits of the program. You would think they all would be, but never been recommended to me by one of them. …

14 hours ago

mehiked

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

I have not signed up yet since my prescription costs are fairly predictable month to month. But the smoothing option does seem helpful for people who get hit with big pharmacy bills early in the year.
das23JeanO53Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question das23and 5 others also answered the question

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! I've got a gentle reminder for everyone! Please don't forget to set your clocks ahead 1 hour before going to bed tonight. If you have a digital thermostat, don't forget that!
Have a pleasant, easy breathing day, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜€ โฐ๏ธ โžก

21 hours ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnAnd my late pup, Ignatius. He was a 150lb. Newfie who thought he was a lapdog. Actually, he proved himself a lapdog, haha! 

22 hours ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnAn hour-ish too late for "Fluffy Friday", but my sweet boy as a pup. 

22 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Roflumilast

Roflumilast is useful in people with chronic cough and exacerbations. Is biggest problem is GI side effects. Some people do better with the lower dose ( 250 instead of 500). I have many patients on it.

1 day ago

Tammy55

Tammy55

Does anyone else have "Tracheitis"???  Along with COPD.   LONG sad story of 7 years to get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.   Bad pain as you breathe, it burns every breath!
Diagnosed and given steroid inhaler, Budesonide.  The medication inhaler has been a miracle.  No burning, but still have COPD and have to deal with chronic bronchitis.
Just wondering if anyone else has the Tracheitis???
Thank you - Tam

1 day ago

Air

Air

Thank you for letting me join. I have had COPD, asthma and asbestosis for at least 35 years or more. The last time I saw my pulmonologist, I told him that I always feel extremely weak and tired. I am no longer able to do much of anything. I used to be very physically active and have a lot of determination so up until the last few years I pushed myself extremely hard to stay active. This fatigue is overwhelming and though I know the importance of staying active and doing the proper exercises is important, I just do not have the strength anymore to do them. My doctor told me that fatigue was not a symptom of COPD or Asbestosis. This floored me because I watched these diseases take down my father and know he certainly had great fatigue as this beast progressed. I also see fatigue mentioned as one of the top five symptoms listed by world renowned medical facilities. I just wanted to know what the rest of you have experienced. The doctor left me feeling like a hypochondriac, which has just devastated me.

1 day ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Roflumilast

So went back to "asthma" doctor today who steel seams befuddled as to what to label my lung condition. CT scan results appeared normal but radiologist I guess is a hack with a track record of mixing up peoples records, misdiagnosis, etc. Now will be …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ”ROASTED POTATOES AND LEEKS๐Ÿฅ”2 pounds new potatoes, quartered2 large leeks, cleaned very well1 large lemon, zested and juiced2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp. olive oil2 tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 tbsp. honey1/2 tsp. salt Preheat the oven to 400...

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿฆท Happy Dentistโ€™s Day! Letโ€™s Talk About Smiles & Strong Lungs

Today is Dentistโ€™s Day, and while we usually think about dentists helping keep our smiles brightโ€ฆ they can also play an important role in helping protect our lung healthโ€”especially for those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM.

It may sound surprising, but the health of your mouth and gums is closely connected to the health of your lungs. Bacteria that build up in the mouth can sometimes make their way into the lungs when we breathe or aspirate tiny droplets of saliva. For people with lung conditions, that can increase the risk of infections or flare-ups.

So today feels like a good day to give a little appreciation to the people who help keep our mouths healthyโ€”and share a few friendly reminders that can help protect both your smile and your breathing.

๐Ÿชฅ Brush twice a day โ€“ Take your time! A full two minutes helps remove bacteria that can lead to gum disease.

๐Ÿงต Floss daily โ€“ Flossing reaches areas your toothbrush canโ€™t and helps keep gums healthy.

๐Ÿ’ง Watch for dry mouth โ€“ Many inhalers and medications can cause dryness. Drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, or using saliva substitutes may help.

๐Ÿ‘… Rinse after inhalers โ€“ Especially if you use steroid inhalers. A quick rinse helps prevent irritation and oral infections like thrush.

๐Ÿฆท Keep up with dental visits โ€“ Be sure to let your dentist know about your lung condition and any medications you take.

๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ Plan ahead for appointments โ€“ If breathing while lying flat is uncomfortable, ask if they can keep you more upright or allow breaks. Most dental teams are happy to work with you.

Taking care of our mouths might seem like a small thing, but for those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM, itโ€™s another way to support our overall health and breathing. 


1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from silly William Bruce, who is always finding new ways to have fun! We wish you a wonderful day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captaincommented onWhat the New ATS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines Mean for Clinicians

 I used this measuring stick when advising a young emergency room physician develop his virtual rehabilitation model....

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I sat outside and rocked in my rocking chair and took in the birds nesting sounds and the neighbors dog who comes to visit when I am out.  What a great way to relieve stress.

2 days ago

creative1

creative1

BRA SOLUTION!I have recently been diagnosed with COPD. Iโ€™m a 70 year old never smoked woman average size and weight. No other physical conditions. 
I found this site while trying to remedy a bra issue. I saw several posts and the one about a bathing suit top caught my attention. I tried built in bra tank tops, not snug enough and too hot. 
My solution? I cut my bras ( with underwire) on the sides after the vertical support piece and sewed a ribbon at the center height. 
Iโ€™m only a c cup and have a high rib cage and smallish waist, so I could tie the ribbon and spin it to the back( this left enough gap for a deep breath) . After it was turned back around I just pulled it up in place and adjusted โ€œ the girlsโ€. I wear a loose tank or camisole over it. 
No more tears about not being able to wear my regular form fitting clothes because Iโ€™d be braless. 
Hope this helps someone else. If your bra material is prone to fraying, run stitches vertically before you cut. 
Best of luck and God Bless. 
Grandma always said, โ€œNecessity is the mother of inventions!โ€

2 days ago

SteveW

SteveWcommented onWhat the New ATS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines Mean for Clinicians

 Great summary Mike. Thank you this is very useful. It mirrors what I am seeing in practice and the pulmonary hypertension patients can be very tricky. I really appreciate you posting this for us. ...

2 days ago

Sweetshari

Sweetshari

New to the group.  Anyone have any resources for employment? 

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Thank you, Karen! Very easy to prepare, too! ๐Ÿ˜‹...

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ‰ Cinco de Marchoโ€ฆ the Warm-Up Act! โ˜˜๏ธ

Well friends, today is March 5th -- also known (unofficially!) as Cinco de Marcho! ๐Ÿ˜„

Think of it as the practice round before St. Patrick's Day rolls in on March 17 with all the green, good cheer, and maybe even a little toe-tapping music.

So I thought today could be our warm-up celebration here on COPD360social.

Are you someone who likes to celebrate St. Patrickโ€™s Day?
โ˜˜๏ธ Wear something green
๐Ÿฒ Enjoy a favorite meal
๐ŸŽถ Listen to music
๐Ÿ“ธ Or just spend time with friends and family

No matter how you celebrate, a few COPD-friendly tips can help keep the day enjoyable -- and these work for any day in March too.

๐Ÿ’š Pace yourself โ€“ Celebrations can be exciting, but remember itโ€™s okay to take breaks and keep your breathing steady.

๐Ÿฅ— Think green foods โ€“ Spinach, avocado, peas, broccoli, or even a green smoothie can add nutrients that help support energy.

๐Ÿšถ Gentle movement counts โ€“ A short walk, stretching, or a few minutes of breathing exercises can help keep lungs moving.

๐Ÿ’ง Stay hydrated โ€“ Water helps keep mucus thinner and easier to clear.

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Mind your environment โ€“ If celebrations involve smoke, strong scents, or crowded spaces, itโ€™s perfectly okay to step outside or choose a quieter spot.

And of courseโ€ฆ donโ€™t forget the fun.

Todayโ€™s little Cinco de Marcho challenge:
๐Ÿ’š Share something green around you
๐Ÿ“ธ Post a photo
๐Ÿ€ Tell us your favorite St. Patrickโ€™s Day tradition
๐Ÿพ Bonus points if a pet makes a guest appearance!

However you spend your day, weโ€™re glad youโ€™re here. Community makes every season brighter.

So tell us -- whatโ€™s your favorite way to celebrate St. Patrickโ€™s Day? โ˜˜๏ธ

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.