So long "old" friends, it has been quite a ride. Will sure miss this site. Tried the others but they are just not the same, much harder to find what's new and what isn't.
Re:
Posted by KarenSC on 12/31/2014, 2:29 pm, in reply to "So Long!"
Just wanted to say thanks to all my COPD friends, old and new, for making my life a better place to be these past few years. Will definitely miss this forum, but do hope to see you in other places. Love and better breathing to all.
Re: So Long!
Posted by ElizabethFL on 12/30/2014, 10:46 am, in reply to "So Long!"
Carol, I agree with you.
I think many of us "old timers" will miss this so much because of the "good old days" of you, Wes, Larry, Chris, Penny, Luke, Martha, Gary. and many more that I just can't remember their names, encouraging me on and giving wise advice. I think I would be dead by now if it were not for me finding this forum 10 years ago. I got so much help and good information
I just posted this on CI but wanted to post once more a bit of encouragement and information:
I received this in my email today. It is just a confirmation of what we already know but still.....
Scientific American Lung Disorders Health Alert Don't Let COPD Stand in the Way of an Active Lifestyle
Engaging in exercise when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be daunting. After all, wouldn't any activity that makes you breathe harder only worsen your shortness of breath? Although that premise might seem logical, most doctors agree that exercise is a safe and effective way to manage COPD and boost quality of life. And recent research has shown that regular activity can help keep severe COPD flare-ups at bay.
COPD is an umbrella term for progressive respiratory conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which cause reduced airflow from the lungs and breathing difficulties. An estimated 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD -- and another 12 million may have COPD but not know it, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
In a study in Respirology, Spanish researchers investigated whether regularly engaging in physical activity -- in this case, walking -- could affect the number of hospital admissions for COPD exacerbations. Researchers followed 391 COPD patients (mostly male, average age 68) for up to five years. Patients who engaged in low levels of activity (defined as walking two or fewer days a week, or less than 1.9 miles a day for regular walkers) were twice as likely to be hospitalized for a COPD flare-up than more active COPD patients who either logged at least 3.5 miles daily, engaged in sports or had physically demanding jobs.
Yet, statistics provide a stark view of just how COPD hinders exercise in the very people it would benefit most: People who have COPD average only six minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The very breathing problems and related fatigue that COPD triggers can prevent people from exercising in the first place, leading to the worsening of the condition and poorer quality of life.
What you can do. Regular walking is an important component in treating lung disease, according to the American Thoracic Society. The society suggests that even people with severe lung disease can work up to a 30-minute walk each day. If you haven't been active, begin slowly and gradually, walking about five to 10 minutes a day for a few days a week. Every week, add a minute or two to each daily stroll. And don’t be dismayed if it’s difficult at first; a little at a time goes a long way toward eventually being able to walk a good distance without shortness of breath.
Re: So Long!
Posted by CarolCa on 12/30/2014, 1:15 am, in reply to "So Long!"
Lew, don't give up on the forms. Personally I like CI because the most recent posts and threads are at the top. That was one thing I didn't like here as you had to go .down the whole page to see if there were any new posts and I think posts were missed on older threads. Give the others a chance. They have a lot of valuable information in their libraries and places othe than the forum. You don't even have to register on some. Take care friend. Carol