Winter 2022 7 When you’re living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it’s important to remember these two truths: 1. The disease doesn’t go away, even with treatment. 2. But you can learn to live better with COPD and slow the damage to your lungs. Here are some suggestions on how to take good care of yourself : If you smoke, commit to quit. Even if you’ve smoked for many years, it ’s never too late to quit. Stopping now is the best way to help slow the progression of the disease. Ask your doctor about medicines or products that could help you. See your doctor. Regular checkups are especially important when you’re managing a chronic condition. Your health care team can answer any questions you have about your condition and help you overcome any obstacles to staying healthy. Riverside Healthcare’s team of pulmonologists is here for you and will create a personalized plan to help you better manage your symptoms and provide the support you need to breathe easy again. Take your medicines as prescribed. They can help you feel better—if you use them correctly. Again, talk to your doctor if you have questions about your medicines or experience bothersome side effects. Manage stress. Feeling stressed can make it harder to breathe. Find ways to relax—try listening to music or sitting quietly—that work for you. But tell your health team if you feel overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. Get a yearly flu shot, plus a COVID-19 vaccine. Catching COVID-19 or the flu can be much more serious when you have a lung disease. Find out from your doctor if you need a pneumonia shot too. Schedule your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine through the myRiverside MyChart app. Pace yourself. COPD can make you feel tired. To help conserve energy so you don’t get worn out: ● Take your time with chores. ● Put often-used items in easy-to-reach places, such as a lower shelf. ● Use a cart with wheels to move laundry around. ● If your home has a second floor, have some items moved to the first floor to reduce the need to climb stairs. ● Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to remove. ● Ask family or friends for help. Talk with your doctor about lung rehab. Pulmonary rehabilitation may improve your ability to do activities without getting out of breath. Classes typically include support, coping tips and exercise. The pulmonary rehabilitation program at Riverside can help strengthen your lungs while improving your overall health. Talk to your doctor to see if pulmonary rehab is right for you. Know when to seek help. If you have severe symptoms, like difficulty talking or catching your breath, you need emergency care. Sources: American College of Chest Physicians; American Lung Association; American Thoracic Society; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute How to live your best with COPD Quit for good Visit quityes.org for resources on how to stop smoking today.
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