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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’›

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments6 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainMy pockets are full when I head outdoors. Now, you know one pocket is filled with peanuts.
    The other is loaded with my rescue inhaler, and my cell phone.
    Enjoying the outdoors comes down to this: Think through before you do. 
    I was just out there. I filled the feeders and cleaned up after the dogs. I planned ahead because thunderstorms will be here shortly. 2 days ago
  • JeanO53My camera comes with me whenever I leave the house, making sure thereโ€™s a full battery and an SD card. I make sure I have a fully charge battery for my POC. 
    โ€ฆ I have a hiking  pole that I take with me; when Iโ€™m at the park the terrain changes frequently and it also helps with balance.  I recently bought a collapsible light weight seat for those times I want to sit and watch for a while; oddly shaped boulders arenโ€™t always comfy.
    โ€ฆ In addition to dressing in layer, I always have an extra jacket in the car.
    โ€ฆ And finally, I make sure I have my phone; great for emergencies and is a great extra camera.2 days ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI've always got my POC (with an extra battery, just in case), my cane, my inhaler and my phone with me.   I often just go out on my screen porch, but even then, I carry those items, plus a book or my Kindle.  1 day ago
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Check-in: Are you protecting your lungs at work?

I'm retired now, but when I did work, I had many more exacerbations because I was in an office with many other employees and also had to interact with the public. I wasn't careful enough then. During that time I also volunteered at a wonderful place …
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question

11 minutes 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, …

1 hour 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...

1 hour 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˜€

6 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

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

Yes, since I began biologics in 11/2024, no exacerbations instead of 1-6/year for past 20 years, except during covid hibernation. Also resting saturation rates are up from 92-93 to 94-96%. Sadly, still need O2 for exertion, sleep & altitude.
janab72Ruth Tal-Singer, PhD BlairTand 3 others also answered the question janab72and 5 others also answered the question

8 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 …

10 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 …

1 day 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.  

1 day 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%, …

1 day 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

2 days ago

Bob puff dragon

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

2 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..

2 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

3 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 …

3 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‘‡

3 days ago

Heidi65

Heidi65

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

3 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

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday! It's an orange kind of day for sure! Orange is the color of hope! Never give up hope! Each day brings with it another reason to smile! Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿงก

4 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

I'm irked.  I just got the Discov-R to try out.  It is NOT a continuous flow, even though it advertises as such.  It is a PULSE machine, which does not work well for me.  I am going to have to ship it back and my O2 supplier is sending me a different brand to try out that IS actually continuous.  I will post a review after I try it out.  ARGH!

4 days ago

EdNebulizer

EdNebulizeranswered the question How many people were told about portable mesh nebulizers by their Doctor?

Hi all, Its important to note that whether a nebulizer is a mesh or jet they are ALL prescription-only devices. No nebulizer can be legally sold/marketed over the counter. This includes any of the big brand Philips or Pari-trek being sold online or …
RickZHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainKandy State Captain of South Dakota and 4 others also answered the question RickZand 6 others also answered the question

4 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonHope we are all looking to make this a great day know l am.Ordered some new equipment yesterday for updating my recording and mixing capabilities. Contacted a major local singing star recently and she called me yesterday to help in explaining the new tech and what to order and volunteered to send a tech over when it comes to explain it and help set it up.l can't rely on beuracrats to do anything meaningful to help,my clock is ticking ....It is so nice when people that have no reason to help do so,restores my faith in humanity.
Sometimes a little act of kindness can go a long way.
Breath well all.
Hope your appointment went well yesterday Debbie B

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.