COPD360social welcomes new member StratusFoxx who joins 65,789 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ Wildfire smoke doesn't have to be nearby to affect your lungs.

With wildfires burning in parts of Canada, smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles and affect air quality far from the fires themselves.

If you have COPD or another chronic lung condition, a few simple steps can help protect your lungs:

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading outside.
๐Ÿ  Keep windows and doors closed when air quality is poor.
๐Ÿ˜ท If you must be outdoors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a well-fitting respirator (such as an N95) is appropriate for you.
๐Ÿ’™ Keep your rescue inhaler and medications nearby, and follow your action plan if symptoms worsen.
๐Ÿšจ If you notice increased shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing, don't ignore itโ€”contact your healthcare provider if symptoms don't improve.

Have you noticed smoky skies or changes in your breathing where you live? Let us know where you're checking in from!

3 days ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Can anyone interpret these latest blood tests

if this person has chosen comfort care, are they in hospice care? I know when my father entered hospice care, his cancer doctor was also a former head of our area's primary hospice organization. He was very knowledgeable of this stage of disease and very …

1 hour ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Wildfires + Apartment Search

Well, I can well imagine this weekend has been a concern for you, to say the least. I have stayed inside for a few days. I'm in Pennsylvania and we went up to the "hazardous" maroon (highest) AQI level for 3 hours overnight Friday. Today Saturday, …
GAnnebrydy also answered the question GAnneand 1 other also answered the question

1 hour ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Having taken Chantix years ago, I now fear taking Ohtuyvre

I found this on the GoodRx website. You can get some information like this to help you learn. If you paste your question into Google's AI Gemini, you can get a list of questions to ask your doctor. Explain to Gemini what your specific concerns are. …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainTom.E also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

2 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainPlease save the date & join us for a wonderful zoom event. It is our 20th anniversary and more information & registration information is available at www.hawaiicopd.org/19th-annual-copd-education-day/.  It will be a lot of interesting speakers and topics.  It is free to all interested registrants.

4 hours ago

vakkachan

vakkachananswered the question Nebulizers: Your experience and Tips

It's really important to not wash your tubing. Wipe the outside of it with a damp cloth with soap, but, don't soak the tubing at all in water, just wipe the outside. Also the other parts, like the cup and mask, disinfect after each use by washing it in …
HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainlbj123456Kandy State Captain of South Dakota and 4 others also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 6 others also answered the question

11 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53

Update on Sleep Progress:  
All is going incredibly well with addressing my sleep issues.  I seem to have found a good rhythm for getting a good night's sleep.  It's kind of amazing.  I'm averaging about 7.5 hours of sleep a night with an average of 1.5 of deep sleep.
- What's working for me are a number of things. 
... First was recognizing there's a "sleep window".   I usually start yawning around 9:30 - 10:00.  I used to push past that.  I now recognize that as the "sign" and I'm leaning into it.  That's the sign to wind down and be ready to sleep by 11:30-12:00
... I've shifted most things to earlier in the evening.  I try to make sure I've had dinner around 6:00 pm, do my evening medication routine around 8:00 pm, and have everything set up for sleep before 9:30.  
... I do some gentle stretches and pursed lip breathing just before lights out.
... My alarm is set for 8:00 am and I try to stick to that.


I try not to make it too regimented.  I know that I'd resent and resist anything set in stone.  It's been about relaxing and setting a new rhythm.  My body and brain are responding very positively.  It's a great incentive to enjoy this new routine.

11 hours ago

Nancy2024

Nancy2024asked the question: Having taken Chantix years ago, I now fear taking Ohtuyvre

Need to speak to an interventional pulmonologist for advice

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! Hoping everyone enjoys their day! Keep those positive thoughts flowing! 
Remember, a smile on your face puts everyone in a good place! ๐Ÿ˜€

19 hours ago

leeseeya

leeseeya

Hello everyone, I am new to this group because of my hard headedness Ihad chroic bronchitis from 1977-2022 and did not believe I had COPD. Only because as a retired RN I only saw pts with emphysema in the later stages and never saw anyone without O2. It was not until I  voraciously read all articles and blogs about COPD, i am so glad that i found this website and convinced my PCP to refer me to Pulmonary Rehab. i am glad i found this great resource.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managercommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

This sounds like an awesome dinner! I love everything about it. Mushrooms, orzo, and spinach sound like a perfect combination. I think I'd be going back for seconds! My mom is all in for this one!๐Ÿ„๐Ÿฅฌ...

1 day ago

perkyH

perkyH

PRICEPRO PHARMCY IN CANADA HAS A GENERIC VERSION OF Trelegy. I have been buying my Trelegy from them for years way less expensive than in USA. I forwarded the ingredents to my dr. and he said it is the same as TRELEGY.........JUST SHARING THIS WITH EVERYONE THAT IS ON A FIXED INCOME.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’™ Happy World Emoji Day & Fluffy Friday! ๐Ÿ˜„

Some days, one little emoji says it all.

How would you describe your week? Drop one emoji in the comments... then share a Fluffy Friday photo of the pet (or favorite animal) that helped make your week a little brighter. ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿฑ๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿด๐Ÿข

Whether your week has been ๐Ÿ’™ ๐Ÿ˜… ๐Ÿ’ช ๐ŸŒž ๐Ÿค— ๐Ÿ˜ด or somewhere in between, we'd love to hear your story and see your favorite companion.

Our pets have a wonderful way of making us smile, helping us slow down, and reminding us to enjoy the little moments.

Let's fill today's comments with emojis, smiles, and plenty of Fluffy Friday photos! ๐Ÿพโค

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ฒCOLESLAW MINUS THE MAYO๐Ÿ”ฒ1 large head green cabbage, shredded 1 medium onion, thinly sliced1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/3 cup sugar3/4 cup cider vinegar 3/4 cup olive oil1 tsp. salt1 tsp. celery seed1 tsp. dry mustard Combine the...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from my youngest orange boy, Fritters George! We both wish everyone the best day ever! ๐Ÿงก

1 day ago

COPD239now

COPD239now

Hi i used to suffer extremely bad air hunger to the point where ambulances had to be called and i would end up in hospital.
My COPD is in the last stages when they told me that the air hunger was caused by anxiety i wasn't sure that they were right? It used to happen when i would take my NIV mask off every time i though i was dying it was horrible.
They finally prescribed me lorazapam very small dose four times a day or as an when needed and oral morphine it stopped and i haven't had one since.
I hope this helps excuse any bad spelling.

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿง„GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN TENDERS๐Ÿงˆ1 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. butter, divided 1 pound fresh chicken tenderloins2 tsp. paprika1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. pepper4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 2 tbsp. water 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley In a...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday to a whole bunch of amazing people! Yes, each and every one of you! For all the things you do to take care of yourselves! For all the things you do to help others! For being here on 360Social! 
Give yourselves a big pat on the back, because you are all truly amazing! ๐Ÿ˜‡

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Check-in: How does COPD affect personal hygiene?

I think that the towel or a rug on the floor is important because the wet floor is a fall hazard.
every breath also answered the question every breath also answered the question

3 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I'm Hot!!! ๐Ÿ˜“ I had a neurologists' appointment this morning and my air conditioning was set on 74F.  When I returned home it was 86F in the house!!!  Luckily, I was able to get an A/C company to come out right away and they replaced 3 components that had gone bad, and it's slowly getting cooler.  I was afraid that the service man would tell me I needed a new unit, since this one is about 10 years old.  He said it would take about 4 hours to cool back down, so maybe by nightfall?

Anyway,  it's really made me appreciate air conditioning.  I feel really bad for our members who live in areas where air conditioning isn't a usual feature in their homes, especially in the heat waves we've all experienced lately.

3 days ago

Carol Van

Carol Van

๐Ÿ˜€ I am doing well today.  Interested in finding out how palliative care has helped others with MAC, COPD , and/or Bronchiectasis.  Thank you for your info!  Great to have others to share our common experiences with!  Hope you are breathing easier today!

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Here's a little report from where I live in Milford, Connecticut. 
I was just outside feeding the birds and squirrels. Oh, my gosh! The smoke from the Canadian wildfires is awful today! It's thick and hazy. The smell is horrible! Anyone going outside in this, mask up! Limit your time out there! Carry your rescue inhaler and cell phone with you! 
We were expecting a "plume" of smoke to pass through today. Much worse than yesterday. ๐Ÿ˜ท

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿพ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday โค
National Pet Fire Safety Day

Our pets have a way of making every place feel like home. Whether they're curled up beside us during a breathing treatment, keeping us company on a walk, or simply making us smile after a long day, they're family.

Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day, a gentle reminder that a little planning today can make a big difference tomorrow.

For many of us living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM lung diseaseโ€”or caring for someone who isโ€”having an emergency plan is already part of life. We think about medications, oxygen, airway clearance equipment, and the supplies we rely on every day. As we make those plans, let's not forget the companions who count on us, too.

A few simple reminders:
๐Ÿพ Keep leashes, harnesses, or carriers somewhere easy to grab.
๐Ÿพ Make sure your pet has identification tags or is microchipped.
๐Ÿพ Include pet food, medications, and supplies in your emergency kit.
๐Ÿพ If you use oxygen or other medical equipment, think about how your pet fits into your emergency plan.

๐Ÿ“ธ Now it's your turn!

In honor of National Pet Fire Safety Day, we'd love to meet the companions who brighten your days. Share a photo of your dog, cat, bird, rabbit, horseโ€”or any special friend who makes you smile.

And if today's picture isn't about a pet, that's wonderful too! Share a favorite place insteadโ€”a peaceful porch, a beautiful view, your garden, your morning coffee spot, or anywhere that brings you comfort and joy.

After all, Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday is all about sharing the little pieces of life that make our corner of the world special.

๐Ÿ’™ Whether it's a beloved pet, a favorite place, or both, we'd love to see your corner of the world!

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘PEACH SMOOTHIE๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘5 ounces vanilla yogurt1 1/2 pounds peeled, chopped fresh peaches OR frozen peaches1/2 cup crushed ice3/4 cup milk of your choice 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. sugarPlace all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth....

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wonderful Wednesday! The simple pleasures in life bring such a big smile to our faces! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Spectacular little things! โœจ๏ธ 
Wishing everyone a pleasant, easy breathing Wednesday! ๐Ÿ˜Š

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Important Information for staying healthy.  This is about Cyclospora, a parasite that is in raw produce.

Cyclospora keeps Climbing T
he Dose (July 14)
Katelyn Jetelina and Marisa Donnelly, PhD

Cyclospora cases continue to climb. 
Some of this is expected, since more people are now aware of it and testing for it, but it is still an undercount, given that many people wait out the sickness at home. The total number of cases is hard to pin down. This is because data in the U.S. is decentralized (local health departments report to states, states report to the CDC), so you will likely see numbers all over the place.. If we scrape for state-level data, the most cases (2,640) are in Michigan, followed by New York (470). A local health department in Northwest Ohio is reporting 661 cases. Figure from the Health Security Operations Center. While there are cases in over 30 states, the U.S. sees cases every year, often from different outbreaks. A key question is whether the number exceeds expectations and, if so, why. In some states, this is certainly the case. For example, the number of infections in Michigan is 31 times higher than in previous years, and in New York, itโ€™s three times higher. In some states, like California, rates are not higher than normal.Michiganโ€™s health official announced yesterday that preliminary findings indicate lettuce or packaged salad greens as a likely source. The investigation has yet to pinpoint a company or rule out other foods. Two dozen other states are still under active investigation. Zero word from FDA.What this means for you: Continue to avoid bagged and boxed salads at grocery stores and restaurants. Iโ€™m still sticking to produce that can be peeled or vegetables with smooth surfaces, like cucumbers, until more data comes in.

4 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain Please join us tomorrow for our monthly COPD Support Group Meeting! It's 10-noon Hawaii Standard Time, 4-6pm Eastern. More information as at www.hawaiicopd.org/join-great-discussions-about-lung-health/

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.