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Coach Brandon - Community Manager 🌿🥦 Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday 🥦🌿

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:

🥬 A favorite vegetable or healthy meal
🌱 A garden or plant you're growing
🍅 A farmers market find
🌳 A beautiful green outdoor view
💚 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!

📸 What's growing, blooming, cooking, or thriving where you are?

Coach Brandon - Community Manager — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:24 GMT

🌿🥦 Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday 🥦🌿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:🥬 A favorite vegetable or healthy meal🌱 A garden or plant you're growing🍅 A farmers market find🌳 A beautiful green outdoor view💚 Anything green that brings a smile to your daySnap 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!📸 What's growing, blooming, cooking, or thriving where you are?
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DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:14:58 GMT

I hope you find some, Caroline! ...
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HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain I’ve never seen kohlrabi before but would probably enjoy it, since I like turnips. I’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.

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:49:15 GMT

I’ve never seen kohlrabi before but would probably enjoy it, since I like turnips. I’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.
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Caroline West Virginia State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

Caroline West Virginia State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:41:28 GMT

This sounds good, I will have to look for Kohlrabi since I do not raise them anymore....
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DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:04:03 GMT

Please do share your recipe, brydy! Thank you so much! 😀...
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brydy commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

brydy — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:20:05 GMT

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? ...
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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.

UK Lynn — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:16:00 GMT

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.
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DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:21:19 GMT

Hope you find some, Karen! 🙂...
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Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:06:12 GMT

If I can find kohlrabi in my grocery, I'll give this recipe a try :-)...
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DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:59:18 GMT

Today we have a Special Edition recipe! In honor of brydy's kohlrabi, and Brandon's post, may I present: 🥄🥄🥄KOHLRABI SOUP🥄🥄🥄1 medium kohlrabi, peeled and cubed, with leaves, trimmed and finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped1 medium...
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Caroline West Virginia State Captain answered the question Constrictive clothing

Caroline West Virginia State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:24:36 GMT

I have traded my blue jeans in for elastic-waisted knit pants, capris, and shorts.
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Tags: breathing

Tags: lifestyle

Tags: tips

Wildebeest answered the question Constrictive clothing

Wildebeest — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:55:42 GMT

Talking about pull-on slacks, I live in those these days. I have silent reflux (which often goes hand in hand with breathing issues, I gather) and anything restrictive around my middle is not helpful. I just wanted to say that I have discovered the …
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Tags: breathing

Tags: lifestyle

Tags: tips

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:08:56 GMT

🍅TOMATO AND BEAN SALAD🍅 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...
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DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain Happy terrific Tuesday, friends! Wishing everyone a day that keeps getting better as the day rolls on! Enjoy it! 🤩

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:44:59 GMT

Happy terrific Tuesday, friends! Wishing everyone a day that keeps getting better as the day rolls on! Enjoy it! 🤩
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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.

ChrissyLu — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 03:31:49 GMT

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.
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Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain Monday 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/

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:41:29 GMT

Monday 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/
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DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:44:19 GMT

You're welcome, Tara! Enjoy! 😊...
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Jackie Red I went to a Pulmonologist and she rated my emphysema as not very bad so my insurance won’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 isn’t that bad? I don’t have a job right now and am on a lot of other medications for another issue and my husband’s insurance doesn’t cover anything until we meet a $5,000 deductible. He has worked for three furniture companies that have gone bankrupt and right now he’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 can’t go to Pulmonary Rehab? Thanks so much!

Jackie Red — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:24:56 GMT

I went to a Pulmonologist and she rated my emphysema as not very bad so my insurance won’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 isn’t that bad? I don’t have a job right now and am on a lot of other medications for another issue and my husband’s insurance doesn’t cover anything until we meet a $5,000 deductible. He has worked for three furniture companies that have gone bankrupt and right now he’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 can’t go to Pulmonary Rehab? Thanks so much!
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HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain commented on Listening to Your Lungs: When It’s Time to Speak Up

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:06:14 GMT

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. It’s worth having a discussion to see if any of these...
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Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:45:01 GMT

Ok I have way too many avocados right now and will definitely be making this. Thanks, Debbie!!...
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Bob puff dragon Just read all your comments OMG thanks friends.

Bob puff dragon — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:46:37 GMT

Just read all your comments OMG thanks friends.
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Community Announcements added a new article Listening to Your Lungs: When It’s Time to Speak Up

Community Announcements — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:45:39 GMT

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 MoreIt 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.

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Coach Brandon - Community Manager 🌤️ 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 COPD—or caring for someone who does—we know that weather can sometimes have a way of making itself known.

☀ Heat can leave us feeling drained.
🌧️ Humidity can make breathing feel more difficult.
🌬️ Wind can stir up pollen, dust, and irritants.
⛈️ Storms can bring sudden changes in pressure and air quality.

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

💙 Keep an eye on the forecast.
💙 Have your medications and inhalers nearby.
💙 Stay hydrated.
💙 Pace yourself on hot or humid days.
💙 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:

📍 Where are you checking in from?
🌤️ What's the weather like in your area this week?
🫁 Does heat, humidity, storms, or changing weather affect your breathing?
💡 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.

Coach Brandon - Community Manager — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:56:52 GMT

🌤️ 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 COPD—or caring for someone who does—we know that weather can sometimes have a way of making itself known.☀ Heat can leave us feeling drained.🌧️ Humidity can make breathing feel more difficult.🌬️ Wind can stir up pollen, dust, and irritants.⛈️ Storms can bring sudden changes in pressure and air quality.While we can't control the weather, we can prepare for it.💙 Keep an eye on the forecast.💙 Have your medications and inhalers nearby.💙 Stay hydrated.💙 Pace yourself on hot or humid days.💙 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:📍 Where are you checking in from?🌤️ What's the weather like in your area this week?🫁 Does heat, humidity, storms, or changing weather affect your breathing?💡 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.
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DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain commented on Eating Well: From Debbie B’s Kitchen to Yours

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:04:14 GMT

🥑EASY AVOCADO LIME CREMA🍋‍🟩1 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...
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Kikilee100 😉

Kikilee100 — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:44:29 GMT

😉
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