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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’™

3 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.

4 days ago

das23

das23answered the question Advice to get back

As the others said---Take it one day at a time. Do what you can and little by little you'll get back to where you were. This isn't a competition--as long as your doing something you'll get there!! Good luck--
DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainBare also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

2 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.

6 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 …

8 hours 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 …

8 hours 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

11 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Albuterol

We have to keep in mind that medications can work differently for each individual. It can depend on other medications a person is using, and what their health condition is. Trying a new medication is the way to find out how/if it works for you.
Barealexa19 also answered the question Bareand 1 other also answered the question

12 hours 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

14 hours ago

Carlene1963

Carlene1963

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

15 hours 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

17 hours 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’›

17 hours 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,...

18 hours 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™

21 hours 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

22 hours 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

1 day 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 …

1 day 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...

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.

2 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

2 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

2 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...

2 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 …

2 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

2 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

ReggieS

ReggieSanswered the question Ohtuvayre use

I try pushing the plastic in .. hoping when I shake it the med will dissolve. Usually I can get most to dissolve. You do have to shake the heck out of it
Tom.EViperHIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 2 others also answered the question Tom.Eand 4 others also answered the question

3 days ago

ReggieS

ReggieSanswered the question I need help/advice with Medicare billing

I just went thru this. I have an advantage plan and I finally took the nebulizer med perscription to Walgreens and gave them my heath care card which showed the billing info for Part B. I spent two weeks going back and forth with part D people only to …
Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)WvhickchicksJeanO53and 3 others also answered the question Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)and 5 others also answered the question

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.