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Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’ก Happy National Swap Ideas Day, 360social!

Now this is one that feels like it was made for us.

One of the best things about this community is that we get to learn from each other. Sometimes itโ€™s something big, but sometimes itโ€™s one little trick that saves some energy, makes a task easier, or turns a โ€œNope, not happening todayโ€ into an โ€œOkay, I can do this.โ€


And those little things can make a pretty darn big difference.

So today, letโ€™s swap ideas!


If youโ€™re living with COPD, what have you figured out along the way that makes life a little easier? Maybe it helps with pacing, conserving energy, using oxygen, getting through chores, getting out of the house, or just having a better day.

And caregivers, youโ€™re definitely part of this one too! What have you learned that helps you or the person you care for? A routine, shortcut, piece of equipment, way of organizing thingsโ€”whatever works.

Thatโ€™s one of the greatest things about 360social. Something you figured out through trial and error might be exactly what somebody else needs today.

So letโ€™s hear them! Whatโ€™s one idea, trick, shortcut, or โ€œwhy didnโ€™t I think of that sooner?โ€ thatโ€™s worth sharing? ๐Ÿ’ก

17 hours ago

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  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerIโ€™ve learned that sometimes the best โ€œtipsโ€ arenโ€™t really tips at all. Theyโ€™re those little things you finally figure out after doing something the hard way about 400 times and suddenly think, โ€œWell, that wouldโ€™ve been nice to know 399 times ago.โ€

    Maybe itโ€™s keeping an extra phone charger by your favorite chair because apparently walking across the room to get one is simply unacceptable once youโ€™re comfortable. Maybe itโ€™s keeping everything you need in the morning in one spot instead of starting your day with an unplanned scavenger hunt. Maybe you sit down to prep dinner instead of standing at the counter. Or maybe you finally moved something you use every single day to where you actually USE it instead of where itโ€™s lived since approximately 1974.

    Little stuff? Absolutely. But those little things can save steps, save energy, and occasionally save you from standing in the middle of a room wondering why the heck you walked in there in the first place.

    I KNOW you guys have some good ones. Whatโ€™s one little thing you do that makes your day easier?

    And donโ€™t hold out on us! If youโ€™ve cracked the code, itโ€™s Swap Ideas Dayโ€”you have to share. Iโ€™m pretty sure itโ€™s legally binding. ๐Ÿ˜‰11 hours ago
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerHereโ€™s another little one to throw out there. ๐Ÿ’ก

    If showers or baths tend to leave you short of breath, something that has helped my mom is using her rescue inhaler before she gets started. Iโ€™ve heard other patients mention doing this too. If you already know something tends to leave you huffing and puffing, sometimes giving yourself that little extra wiggle room beforehand can make a difference.

    It can be a lot easier than waiting until youโ€™re halfway through and thinking, โ€œGood grief, I just wanted a shower. Why did this turn into cardio?โ€ 

    Of course, everybodyโ€™s a little different, so stick with how youโ€™ve been told to use your rescue inhaler. And if youโ€™re not sure whether something like this would work for you, just ask the next time you talk with your doctor.

    Just another little idea to tuck away. Sometimes the smallest things can make a surprisingly big difference.11 hours ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainThat is a good idea, Brandon. I sometimes shower after using my maintenance inhaler because that's when my airway is as clear as can be. 
    I also use my rescue inhaler as a preventative. It really does help! 10 hours ago
Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’™ 360social, Letโ€™s Rally Around Our Karen! ๐Ÿ’™

Iโ€™m going to get a little personal with this one because our sweet Karen from Florida โ€” one of my besties and truly one of my favorite people โ€” has something pretty big coming up.

Karen will soon be having Zephyr valves placed, and Iโ€™d love for our 360social family to wrap around her with all the love, encouragement, and good thoughts we can send her way.

Karen, I know there are probably a million emotions going through your head right now. But I hope somewhere in all of that, you can feel just how many of us are standing right there with you and cheering you on.

My hope is that these valves bring you easier breaths, some real relief, and more good days to get out there and enjoy the things you love. You deserve every single one of them. ๐Ÿ’™

Youโ€™ve spent so much time around here encouraging other people, sharing what youโ€™ve learned, and just being Karen โ€” which is pretty darn special all by itself. Now itโ€™s our turn.

So come on, 360social. Letโ€™s remind my favorite Karen from Florida just how loved she is. Drop her a little love, encouragement, or a simple โ€œWeโ€™ve got you!โ€ below.

Karen, youโ€™ve got a whole community cheering you on โ€” and you better believe Iโ€™ll be right there at the front of the line. ๐Ÿ’™

1 day ago

Lily001

Lily001

What is Ivermectin 6mg?

I have been researching more on Ivermectin 6mg and would like to make some general inquiries.
I already know that ivermectin is a prescription drug for treating certain parasitic infections, but I've found contradictory information online. My main concern is the considerations which doctors take into account while prescribing Ivermectin 6mg and for which infection it can be used.
In addition, I'd like to find out more about its potential side effects and if there are other medications or medical conditions which one has to discuss with their doctor prior to taking this drug.
I would appreciate hearing from those people who have consulted their physician on the topic of Ivermectin 6mg and what questions they were recommended to ask.
ivermectin 6mg

1 hour ago

Lily001

Lily001https://www.genericpillsaustralia.com/

1 hour ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Great update of COPD treatment video by our COPD Foundationโ€™s Dr David Mannino.
https://www.wbko.com/2026/09/10/new-copd-treatments-offer-targeted-relief-without-harsh-steroid-side-effects/

5 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainToday's "Fill Your Cup" moment...

9 hours ago

NikkiD

NikkiDanswered the question Age 33 Diagnosed with COPD

Hi, I know I'm a little late to the post, but I was diagnosed with COPD at 33 aswell and have never met anyone else that was! My FEV1/FVC is 33 so a bit worse than yours. I'm now 35 and I have to say I feel so much better than when I was diagnosed. …
KezeCatch22Liza Mand 8 others also answered the question Kezeand 10 others also answered the question

10 hours ago

NikkiD

NikkiDasked the question: 35F with severe COPD, anyone else going through this at my age?

I was diagnosed with severe emphysema at 33 years old, after years of struggling to breath and coughing that was diagnosed as asthma because I was "too young" for it to be anything else. I've been told I will eventually need a double lung transplant, …

10 hours ago

Puzzie

Puzzieanswered the question Does pulmonary rehab help?

I've participated in formal pulmonary rehabilitation three times in the past 14 years. Not all pulmonary rehabilitation programs are the same, but this program is excellent. Nutritional education, physical training, and psychological help. Sessions were …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )BarePhyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 3 others also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 5 others also answered the question

12 hours ago

Puzzie

Puzzieanswered the question Is going blind worth it? (Advare experience)

Most medications used to treat COPD are corticosteroid and come with warnings about glaucoma, osteoporosis, and a whole host of other side effects. With a family history of glaucoma I have always been careful to get my eyes checked annually. I also get a …
das23HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captainand 5 others also answered the question das23and 7 others also answered the question

13 hours ago

Puzzie

Puzzieasked the question: Oxygen and BiPap equipment providers and your doctor

When you have issues about medical equipment and dealing with equipment providers, what assistance do you expect from your pulmonology practice? When the equipment providers ask for updated medical records and tests, I had to constantly follow up with …

13 hours ago

Puzzie

Puzzieanswered the question I am Wondering if anyone is using the injection of dupixent and if so is it helpful for better breat

I started Nucala in July. The doctor didn't say anything about improved breathing but rather emphasized that it helps prevent exacerbations.
Taryn TarverHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainGAnneand 1 other also answered the question Taryn Tarverand 3 others also answered the question

13 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53Quick share...
. Some days I just have to get outside.   Yesterday, I worked and then attended OxyTalk.  Afterwards, I grabbed my camera and went for a drive.  Nothing much happening at the park, but on my way home this Red Tailed Hawk flew past my car and then settled on a power line pole.  
- - If you can, get outside today!  You never know what you're going to see.  And then tell us what you saw!!

16 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Oh, yeah! My Gramma called it Apple Brown Betty. No matter what we call it, it's delicious! Thanks, Karen! ๐Ÿ...

19 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

Yes!! I make this a lot!! It's my son's favorite dessert and whenever he comes for a visit, it's on the menu. But we call it Apple Brown Betty....

19 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ๐ŸEASY APPLE CRISP๐Ÿ๐Ÿ10 cups peeled, sliced Granny Smith apples1/2 cup sugar1 tsp. cinnamon, divided 1 cup flour1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup quick oats1 tsp. baking powder1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 cup cold butter, cubedPreheat the oven...

19 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends! 
Never, ever give up! There is always something to look forward to. Keep focusing on all the good things in life. Don't forget to wear that great big smile! A smile never goes out of style! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

23 hours ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

106 degrees today.

1 day ago

Kaija

Kaija

Not great I am wondering how to see if I need a respiratory therapist

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainCan't do any better than your best! Be proud of all your accomplishments, whether big or small. 

1 day ago

Upstate NY Mike

Upstate NY Mikeanswered the question Has anyone been involved in stem cell treatments? I understand there is no hard evidence.

Hello everyone, a quick background.. I was in a house fire in 10/77 pulled out not breathing. Twenty years later (6/97) I inhaled chlorine gas for hours from a massive warehouse fire which released 150,000 lbs of chlorine gas. Three directions were …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainJeanO53Patrick Mooseand 2 others also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

6ft Pixie

6ft Pixie

Mold issues. I've had a terrible time trying to clear my lungs and sinuses because of mold in our upstairs HVAC system. I made appts with 3 different mold remediation companies. I wanted to test a theory, so last night I slept downstairs on the couch, and I feel 100% better! I found out from my pulmonologist that I have a slight allergy to mold. Living in the Southeastern USA, this can be difficult to manage. We will see what the mold remediation does for me...it can't hurt. Have a great afternoon! ๐Ÿ˜ท

1 day ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainJust published yesterday!  
www.healthywomen.org/condition/mental-health-while-living-with-copd

The Importance of Mental Health While Living with COPD

Learn about the importance of caring for your mental health if you have COPD

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ“ธ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday โ€” The Little Things!

Good morning, 360social! Itโ€™s Wednesday, so you know what that meansโ€”itโ€™s time to take a little trip around the world without any of us having to pack a bag. ๐Ÿ˜‚

For this weekโ€™s Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday, letโ€™s celebrate the little things.

It doesnโ€™t have to be the perfect sunset or some incredible view. Maybe itโ€™s your morning coffee, something blooming in the yard, a funny sign you spotted, the view from your favorite chair, or just something completely ordinary that made you stop and smile.

Take a picture and share it with us! ๐Ÿ“ธ

We have some incredible photographers in this community who share with us regularly, and I absolutely love seeing what catches your eye each week. But if youโ€™ve never shared before, today might be a fun day to jump in too. You definitely donโ€™t have to be a photographerโ€”weโ€™re not judging lighting and composition around here. ๐Ÿ˜‚

There can be a lot of serious stuff in our lives and in this community. Sometimes itโ€™s nice to break up the week, look around our little corner of the world, and find something that simply makes us smile.

And who knows? That little thing that made you happy today might give someone else exactly the same smile. ๐Ÿ’™

So what caught your eye today? Letโ€™s see your corner of the world! ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โญ•๏ธSUN-DRIED TOMATO VINAIGRETTEโญ•๏ธ1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. maple syrup1 clove garlic, grated1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp....

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday, friends! Wishing everyone a completely incredible day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHere's my little William Bruce, holding onto the last bits of Summer. His Toasted Marshmallow on a Stick catnip toy! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

Kattlyne

Kattlyne

Hi, everyone! I really struggle with staying off cigarettes anytime emotions run high. My nephew died in a tragic car accident on August 13th and I relapsed on cigarettes. I have smoked for the past 23 days. I put the cigarettes down this morning, but I'm worried. Usually when I quit, my lungs produce more mucous and cause shortness of breath worse than when I'm smoking. I do have my rescue inhaler and I'm hoping and praying it won't be too bad as I heal again. I feel like such a failure and wonder why I do this to myself.  Any advice as I get through the next few weeks would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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.