One Breath At A Time! - Sunflower Health Plan
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeYOUR DISEASE,One Breath at a Time!
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseC.O.P.D.When you were young breathing was easy. You didn’t even have to think about it.Breathe in, breathe out, live life. But you’re older now, and after several years ofbeing exposed to smoke, you’re no longer able to take breathing for granted. It’sharder to do. It may even hurt. You could have emphysema or chronic bronchitis ora combination. You’re dealing with COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.This book is intended to be a self-managementguide to help you better understand and deal withyour condition. The goals of this book and a goodCOPD care program include:Slowing the progress of the diseaseImproving your healthRelieving COPD symptomsMaking exercise easierYou’re not alone in dealingwith COPD. Education,support and treatment arehere for you.Your wellness is a goalwithin reach. And that’s abreath of fresh air.DISCLAIMER: This book provides general information about COPD and related issues. Theinformation does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used for the diagnosisor treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed health professional.Consult with a qualified physician or healthcare practitioner to discuss specific individualhealth needs and to professionally address personal medical concerns.
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeYOUR DISEASE,ONE BREATH AT A TIMETable of Contents36RELAXATION NATION:The Joys of Staying Stress-Free2FIRST THINGS FIRST:What is COPD?38HOW TO BREATHE:Exercises for Improving Airflow5FRESH AIR REFRESHER41WORDS OF WISDOM:Assorted Tips for Feeling Better7THE BIG THREE:COP Diseases45EYES ON THE PRIZE:The Exercise Connection13BEST DEFENSES:Preventing Lung Infections47SWEET DREAMS:Sleeping and COPD16I QUIT!Kicking the Smoking Addiction4922THINK POSITIVE:Keeping Emotionally FitMANAGING YOUR MEDICINE52COPD AND ME26HAIL TO THE INHALER!29MORE THAN ONE WAY:Other Treatment Options32OXYGEN 101RESOURCES1
2C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeFIRSTTHINGSFIRST:WHATIS COPD?YOU LEAVE ME BREATHLESSCh r o n i c O b s t r u c t i ve P u l m o na r yD i s e a s e r e f e r s m o s t oft e n t oemphysema, chronic bronchitis, andchronic asthma. We’ll take a closer lookat these conditions in a bit. These lungdiseases can be caused by Several years of heavy smokingLongtime exposure to air pollutionScarred or damaged breathing tubes orair pouches due to an illness or injuryInherited geneticsMISSION:DEFINITION Chronic (CRON-ick):SIGNS AND SYMPTOMSLasting for a long time orconstantly recurring.You may not feel any symptoms of COPD at first. Your symptoms may bemild and not warrant any concern. If it gets worse, some common signs andsymptoms may include A cough that lasts a long time“Smoker’s cough,” which brings up a lot of mucusShortness of breath, especially when exercising or being activeWheezingTightness in the chest
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeHaving COPD usually means getting colds and the flu more often.More smoking more lung damage.More lung damage more severe symptoms.6THECOMMONSIGNS OFCOPD123456An ongoing coughExcess mucusShortness of breathWheezingTirednessMore frequent flare-upsCOPD BY THE NUMBERS12 millionEstimated number of Americans who have beendiagnosed with COPD. Another 12 million may beliving with the disease and not yet know it.Fo r sm oker s w h odon’t quit whensymptoms of COPDarise, damage to thelungs happens faster.Quitting will slowdown the damage,lessen the symptomsand reduce flare-ups.3
4C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeAS TIME GOES BYYour symptoms may have started out slowly and mild. Maybe you didn’t even notice them at first.Then maybe you found that it was a little harder to breathe when you walked up the stairs. Maybethat little cough aggravated you or kept you from sleeping well at night. You adjusted your lifestyleand tried to make breathing easier again.But in time, the breathing difficulty got worse. Even everyday activities wore you out and causedyou to pant. Coughing became stronger and more frequent. You noticed swelling legs, ankles andfeet. You lost weight, and you seemed weaker in your lower muscles.CODE REDSymptoms of COPD can go waybeyond the shortness of breath orscratchy cough. Some may requireimmediate treatment at a hospital. Call911 or have a friend or family memberget you to the closest emergencycare facility if you experience any ofthese severe symptoms:Hopefully by this time you saw a doctor. And if so,you were introduced to the four little letters thatwere about to become a big part of your life: COPD.CLEARING THE AIR:BREATHTAKING BREATHING FACTSBreat hing isn’t all ab outox ygen. Air ha s 21% ox ygen.T he b ody only ne ed s 5%.It’s t he car b on diox ide t hatma kes it all matter.A hard time talking or catchingyour breathVery fast heartbeatFingernails turning blue orgray, a sign of blood with alow oxygen contentMental confusionWebMD: COPD Symptoms:w w w.w e b m d . c o m / l u n g /cop d/tc/ch ronic- obst r uctivepul m onar y- dis ea s e- co p dsymptoms
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeFRESH AIR REFRESHERBREATHING BASICSHer e’s h ow t h i s b r e at h i ng t h i ngworks: Breathing brings fresh air intoyour lungs and removes stale air.The fresh air carries oxygen to yourbloodstream. Your heart then pumpsblood with oxygen through your bodyto all your organs, which need oxygento work smoothly.Fresh air enters the nose and throatand into a large airway or breathingtube that branches many times intosmaller and smaller tubes. Yourbreathing tubes are lined with specialmuscles that relax and contractwith breathing. At the ends ofeach of the smaller airways is aballoon-like pouch that expandsand collapses as you breathe inand breathe out.5
6C.O .P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeAs your heart pumps, blood flowsthrough arteries to all your organs. Asthe blood passes by each organ, it givesup some of its oxygen to feed the organ,and removes the waste gas. When youbreathe out, the stale air is pushed out.CLEARING THE AIR:BREATHTAKING BREATHING FACTSThe right lung is slightlylarger than the left.How Stuff Works: How YourLungs lung.htm
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeTHE BIG7COPTHREE: DiseasesWe’ve seen the process of breathing for healthy lungs.But sometimes air that normally flows easily in and outof the lungs gets slowed down. Mucus in the breathing tubes, tightening musclesand swelling of the tissues in the breathing tubes can cause airway distress.AIRWAY TO HEAVENThese complications in the airways can cause Shortness of breathWheezing or coughingGaining or losing weightFeelings of weakness or tirednessFor people with COPD, one or more of these symptoms may be felt from time to time.When we talk about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, we really mean threerespiratory conditions that affect breathing. Here’s a brief look at each of these.EMPHYSEMAWhat it isEmphys ema cau s es t he ba lloon-likepouches at the ends of breathing tubes(alveoli) to become enlarged, like a balloonthat’s been blown up many times. Thismakes it harder for oxygen to get into thebloodstream and causes the stale air to betrapped in the enlarged pouches.What it doesEmphysema can make you feel short of breath,or unable to breathe deeply. The tricky thingabout emphysema is you can have it for yearswithout seeing the signs of it. The main symptomis a gradual shortness of breath. Over time, thiscondition becomes noticeable and starts to get inthe way of everyday tasks and activities. Shortnessof breath even while resting is common.
8C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeEMPHYSEMA ContinuedWhat causes itWhat can happen with itEmphysema is most often caused by longterm exposure to airborne irritants, such as:Tobacco smokeIndustrial fumesMarijuana smokeCoal and silica dustAir pollutionWhat increases your riskSmokingCigarette, cigar and pipe smoking are the mostlikely sources of emphysema. The number ofyears and amount of tobacco smoked raise therisk for all types of smokers.AgeThe damage to the lungs caused by emphysemadevelops gradually. Most people with tobaccorelated emphysema don’t start to feel thesymptoms until between the ages of 40 and 60.Exposure to secondhand smokeSecondhand smoke is smoke inhaled fromsomeone else’s cigarette, pipe or cigar. Justbeing around secondhand smoke raises therisk of emphysema.Occupational exposure to fumes or dustEmphysema is more likely to develop if you’reexposed to breathing the fumes from certainchemicals or dust from grain, cotton, wood ormining products like coal dust. Smokers whobreathe these elements have an even greater risk.Exposure to pollutionBreathing both indoor and outdoor pollutants canincrease your risk of emphysema. Indoor pollutantsinclude heating oil fumes. Outdoor pollutantsinclude car exhaust and industrial smog.The cold, hard reality of emphysema is that ifyou have it, you’re more likely to develop lifethreatening complications, such as:Holes inHeartCollapsedthe lungsproblemslungWhat TREATs itTHE BAD NEWS: Emphysema can’t be cured.THE GOOD NEWS: There are treatments thatcan help ease the symptoms and slow the progressof emphysema. These treatments include MedicationsStop smoking drugsBronchodilatorsTherapyBreathing rehabInhaled steroidsAntibioticsOxygenSurgeryLung reduction: removing small partsof the damaged lungLung transplant: removing the damagedlung and replacing with a healthy onefrom a donorCOPD BY THE NUMBERS4.7 mi l l i onNumber of non-institutionalized adultswho have ever been diagnosed withemphysema in 2011, according to theCenters for Disease Control.
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeMISSION:DEFINITIONInflammation (in-fluh-MAY-shun):Redness, swelling, pa in, tender ness a nd heat ofan area of the body, especially as tissues react toinjur y or illness.CHRONIC BRONCHITISWhat it isBronchit is refer s to t he infla m mat ionof t he bronchia l t ub es leading into t helungs. T his infla m mat ion creat es a nexces s of mucu s s e cret ions in t he t ub esw it h t is sue s welling t hat may clo s e offbronchia l t ub es or ma ke t hem nar row.Ch ron ic bronchit is includ es a cough t hatha pp ens ever y day, brings up mucu s a ndt hat la s t s for at lea s t t h re e mont h s, fort wo s t ra ight year s.What it doesChronic bronchitis restricts the air flowin and out of the lungs. It can bring aboutcomplications ranging from severe shortnessof breath to respiratory failure and even death.What causes itCigarette smoking is the main cause of chronicbronchitis. It can also be caused by otherirritants that are breathed in repeatedly andaffect the bronchial tubes.What increases your riskSmoking, breathing airborne chemicals andsecondhand smoke, dust, and other bronchialirritants raise the risk of chronic bronchitis.What TREATs itStop smoking progra msAntibioticsBronchodilatorsCOPD BYTHE NUMBERS324,000Number of visits to emergencyro o m s w i t h c h ro n i c a n dunspecified bronchitis in 2009,according to the Centers forDisease Control.9
10C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeCHRONIC ASTHMAWhat it isA s t h ma affe ct s t he a ir flow in a nd ou tof t he breat hing t ub es of t he lungs.Mo s t p e ople w it h a s t h ma don’t sufferf rom COPD, a nd not a ll p e ople w it hCOPD have a s t h ma. Bu t ma ny COPDsufferer s do have a for m of a s t h maa long w it h t heir emphys ema or ch ron icbronchit is. Som e p e ople even have am i x of a ll t h re e.What it doesThe airways become narrow because themuscles around the lungs tighten and theyclog with too much mucus. When you tryto force air through the smaller tubes,breathing gets harder. You make wheezingor whistling sounds when you try to breathe,and you may cough and spit up mucus.DID YOU KNOW?A s t h ma i s t h e m o s t co m m o nch r o n ic ch ild h oo d d i s e a s e i nf i r s t wo r ld cou nt r ie s.What causes itThe exact cause of asthma is still not known.But again, chronic asthma is made worse bycigarette smoking, exposure to secondhandsmoke and occupational inhalants likeharmful chemicals, exhaust and air pollution.Some medical experts claim chronic asthmacontinues to last due to the foods we eat.Cutting down on dairy products like milkcan keep asthma symptoms from happening.Watch out for other food items and allergiesthat can trigger breathing problems.What can happen with itA constant cough, shortness of breath andwheezing are signs of chronic asthma. Thesesymptoms can last hours, days or even weeks.If this condition is not kept under control, it canlead to an attack, and require emergencymedical attention.What TREATs itBronchodilators: inhalers with medicinethat relaxes the breathing tubesCorticosteroids: Medicine that treats theinflammation and swelling of the airwaysLeukotriene inhibitors: Medicine in pill ortablet form that prevents asthma symptoms
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeMAKING MATTERS WORSEOther diseases that can strike and affectyou if you suffer from COPD are influenza(the flu) and pneumonia.Influenza (Flu)The flu is a highly contagious virus that strikessuddenly. It’s easy to confuse a common coldwith the flu. Flu symptoms last longer and aremore severe. While most people connect thestomach flu with nausea and vomiting, theyaren’t really associated with the flu.True flu symptoms include:FeverMuscle achesSevere weakness and tirednessSore throatCoughWhen you have COPD and you get the flu, you’re more likely to have lung infectionsthat could be life threatening. Preventing lung infections from the flu is your primarygoal. Get a flu shot every year as soon as it’s available, usually in the early fall. Somepeople worry that the shot will give them the flu. This is impossible because the shotis made from a form of the virus that has been killed.11
12C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimePneumoniaLike the flu, having COPD makes it more likely to develop pneumonia, especially duringthe winter. Pneumonia may happen after you’re exposed to a virus or bacteria. It causesyour breathing tubes to swell and fill with mucus, making it harder for you to breathe.A pneumonia shot could keep you from catching the disease. Most people only get onein their lifetime but you may need a booster after age 65, if you haven’t had one in thelast five years. Symptoms for pneumonia may include:FeverShortness of breathChange in amount or color of mucusMuscle spasmsInflamed lining of the airwayCOPD BYTHE NUMBERS49,597N u m b e r o f d e at h s f ro mpneumonia in 2010, according tothe Centers for Disease Control.American Lung Association: can Lung Association: Chronic onicCOPD International: Chronic Asthma:www.copd-international.com/asthma.htm
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a Time13BEST DEFENSES:PREVENTING LUNG INFECTIONSDID YOU KNOW? THE PREVENT DEFENSEW hen you have COPD, you’re moreat risk for lung infe ctions a s a resultof t he cold or flu.INFECTION DETECTIONPreventing lung infections is yourtop goal when you have COPD.Remember that the earlier you gethelp from your doctor, the soonerthey can get you the care you need.Early signs and symptoms can bedifferent in different people, buthere are a few to look out for:Fever or chillsSore throat and painful neck glandsShortness of breathCoughing, wheezing, chest tightnessA change in the amount, color orsmell of mucusTirednessStabbing chest pain when breathingCall your doctor right away if youhave any of these symptoms.If keeping yourself healthy and infection-free isyour goal (and it should be!), make a commitmentto yourself to take these actions:1 Get the flu shot every year. Early is bestbut anytime during the flu season is okay.Tell your doctor if you have an egg allergy,as there are special flu shots to take instead.2 Talk to your doctor about the pneumonia shotif you haven’t had one in the last five years.3Encourage other people in your home to geta flu shot. Keeping them healthy will reduceyour exposure to the germs.4 Stay away from anyone who has the cold or flu.5 Stay out of crowds, especially during coldand flu seasons in the winter.6 Eat healthy, well balanced meals.7 Exercise regularly.8 Get enough sleep.9 Stop smoking.10 Keep your lungs clear of mucus, which cantrap germs.11 Keep your breathing equipment cleanand sanitized.12 Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
14C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeMISSION:DEFINITIONTHAT IS SOIRRITATING!IRRITANT: SmokingIrritant (EAR-uh-tint): Something that causes slightinflammation or discomfort to the body.People with COPD and asthma have to watch outfor irritants, substances that can cause their airwaysto swell and make it hard to breathe. These irritantscan also cause excess mucus to build up. Here aresome common irritants and how to deal with them.IN A NUTSHELL: Smoking and cigarette smoke is the most commonirritant that causes COPD in the U.S. Pipe, cigar and other types oftobacco smoke are also irritants, especially when the smoke is inhaled.HOW TO DEAL: Stop smoking. Ask your doctor about ways toquit. There are many methods and plans that are effective forquitting the habit, and we’ll discuss the subject in the next chapter.IRRITANT: Secondhand smokeIN A NUTSHELL: Cigarettes don’t have to be smoked to be harmfulto you. The threat of secondhand smoke from others’ cigarettes orcigars is just as real a threat. It can irritate the sensitive bronchialtubes and cause coughing, mucus build-up and breathing difficulty.HOW TO DEAL: Demand that others not smoke around you. Keepyour home and work area smoke-free. Stay out of places wheresmoking is allowed. Reserve smoke-free hotel rooms and rentalcars when traveling.IRRITANT: Air pollution, pollen and other airborne allergensIN A NUTSHELL: Smog is the result of car, house and business exhaustsystems that pollute the air and make breathing difficult, especially for thosesuffering from COPD and asthma. For people with allergies, unseen particlesof pollen, ragweed, mold and other allergens can trigger breathing episodes.HOW TO DEAL: Stay indoors when the air is smoggy or traffic is heavywith exhaust fumes. Stay away from industrial places or power plants. Payattention to local news alerts every day about air quality and pollen counts. Ifthere is a pollen or allergen alert, use air conditioners and air filters in yourhouse. Keep windows and doors closed as much as you can.
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeIRRITANT: DustIN A NUTSHELL: Like pollen, some people are more sensitive tothe tiny dust particles in the air in our homes or work places.HOW TO DEAL: Use a wet mop and damp cloth when cleaningto keep your home as dust-free as possible. Vacuuming stirs updust, so ask a friend to vacuum for you. Leave the house while thevacuum cleaner is in use, if you can. Wearing a breathing mask thatcovers your mouth and nose will keep you from inhaling the dust.IRRITANT: PetsIN A NUTSHELL: Some pets can shed dander from their fur or feathers.These particles can find their way into breathing tubes and cause irritation.Dander is usually more of a problem for those with asthma rather thanCOPD, but it can still do damage, especially if you’re allergic to it.HOW TO DEAL: Keep pets out of your bedroom and any areas whereyou spend a lot of time. Allergens can be cut down by having someonebathe your pet at least once a week.IRRITANT: Perfumes, aerosols and chemicalsIN A NUTSHELL: Just like pollen and dust, for those allergic tocertain chemicals and odors, breathing can be painful and labored.HOW TO DEAL: Don’t use perfume, aftershave, cologne or otherscented products. Stay away from aerosol sprays. Use roll-ondeodorants and liquid or gel personal hygiene products instead.You should also steer clear of chemical products such as ammonia,chlorine bleach, mothballs and other products with strong odors.IRRITANT: GasolineIN A NUTSHELL: Aggravating fumes from gasoline can cause problemsfor people with asthma and COPD.HOW TO DEAL: Try not to pump gas if you can. If you have to, stay inthe car during fueling with the windows rolled up and the doors shut.Wear a breathing mask to avoid the fumes from the gasoline.15
16C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeIRRITANT: Cooking and heatingIN A NUTSHELL: In some parts of the world, COPD caused by theindoor pollution from heating and cooking with coal or wood isgreater than cigarette smoking.HOW TO DEAL: If you have to use a fireplace or wood-burning stove,make sure it’s well ventilated. Don’t sit near the opening. Always useexhaust fans to remove any fumes or smoke while cooking.IRRITANT: Extreme weather, heat and humidityIN A NUTSHELL: Cold air, strong winds, heat and humidity, andchanges in the weather can trigger COPD symptoms. Coughing,shortness of breath and excess mucus can be brought on by theseweather conditions.HOW TO DEAL: Wear a scarf or mask over your mouth and nosein cold weather. When it’s hot and humid, don’t exercise or workoutdoors. Your body works harder to stay at its normal temperaturewhen the weather is very cold, very hot or humid.CLEARING THE AIR:BREATHTAKING BREATHING FACTSIf your lungs were open flat theywould cover the size of a tenniscourt. Don’t try this at home.Just trust us.Everyday Health:8 Ways to Avoid Infectionw w w.ever yd ay h ea l t h.com/copd/avoiding-infections.aspx
I QUIT!KICKING THESMOKING ADDICTIONC.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a Time17COPD BYTHE NUMBERS19Percent of U.S. adults 18years and over who currentlysmoke cigarettes.THE BENEFITS OF SMOKING1.2.3.4.Uh Okay. So the point here is: There are no benefits of smoking. There are benefits to quitting,such as better health, cleaner clothes and more money in your bank account.QUITTERSARE WINNERSIf you’ve already quit smoking,congratulations! You’ve takenthat first, all-important steptoward managing your COPD.Stopping the habit of smokingis the best way to slow down theprogress of COPD. You’ll havemore energy and less of a riskof developing other diseases.Sure, quitting smoking mightmake a rich tobacco executivecry a little but isn’t it worth itto improve your health?THE NEGATIVES OF SMOKINGWe looked at the benefits of smoking cigarettes. Now let’s list afew of the risks and negative factors that smoking can provide.Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Many1 of these are harmful and can cause cancer.2 Smokers are twice as likely to suffer heart attacks as nonsmokers.3 Smokers are 10 times more likely to develop cancer than nonsmokers.4 Cigarette smoke is harmful to everybody who inhales it, notjust the smoker.5 Smoking is an expensive habit.Eighty seven percent of lung cancer deaths are the result of6 cigarette smoking.7 Pancreatic, cervical, kidney, stomach cancer and leukemiaare all linked to smoking.
18C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeC.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeTHE NEGATIVES OF SMOKING CONTINUEDCigarettes damage reproductive organs. Women smokers are8 more likely to have trouble conceiving and are more likely tohave a miscarriage.9 A third of all heart disease-related deaths are caused by smoking.10 Nicotine in cigarettes speeds up the heart rate and causes arteries to tighten.11 Smoking causes skin and teeth to turn yellow.12 Smoking damages clothes, curtains and car interiors.13 Premature aging and wrinkles are also effects of cigarette smoking.Add a few other ailments to the list such as Eye p r o bl em s l i keBone thinningPeptic ulcersStrokemacular degenerationand cataractsSTEP 1: QUIT,STEP 2: FEEL BETTERWell, now that we’ve gottenall that negative stuff out ofthe way, it’s time to lookon the positive side. You’regoing to quit smoking andstart feeling better. Afterquitting, your healthwill start to improvealmost right away.COPD BYTHE NUMBERS20Percent ofchronic smokerswho developCOPD.AFTER 24 HOURS Your chances of a heart attack go down.2 WEEKS TO3 MONTHS1 TO 9 MONTHS5 TO 15 YEARS10 YEARS15 YEARSYour circulation gets better and your lungfunction rises by up to 30%.Your lungs are able to fight infection better.Coughing, sinus congestion, tiredness and shortnessof breath go down.Your chance of stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker.Your risk of dying from lung cancer is about halfthat of a smoker who doesn’t quit.Your risk of heart disease is that of a nonsmoker.TEN TIPS FOR QUITTINGTip #1: Commit yourselfTip #2: Make a planQ: What’s the hardest part aboutquitting smoking?Make an honest commitmentto yourself that you arestronger, better and smarterthan any nasty habit. Tellyourself you can do this, nomatter how tough, and stickto those commitments.Set a day for stopping andmark it on your calendar.Get prepared. Decide aheadof time what you’ll do to staysmoke-free, where you’ll go,and what places and peopleyou’ll stay away from thatcan derail your plan.A: The first two days. The entire firstweek can seem daunting and tough,but the nicotine withdrawal duringthose first two days is the roughest.Conquer those days and you’ll findeach day gets easier.
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeTip #4: Reward yourselfTip #3: Find a support groupSharing your victories, struggles anduncertainties with others can help youthrough the hardest times. An onlinesupport forum like t he Ab out.comgroup (quitsmoking.about.com/od/support/Quit Smoking SupportGroups.htm) ca n help put youin touch with others in your samesituation. They’ll provide answersand suggestions, and in time you’lldo the same for someone who needsyour help. Check out your healthinsurance provider to see if theyhave a support group associated withits plan. Your doctor may also havesupport group resources in your area.Tip #6:Change up your routineWhen you were a smoker,you probably had a routinethat incorporated yoursmoking. Now you needto mix up things so youdon’t go near the placesor people who enable youto smoke. Go around theoutdoor smoking areas atwork; tell your smokingfriends you need a breakfrom them for a while; take adifferent route while drivingto avoid the stores whereyou bought cigarettes.Make a plan to rewardyourself after the first day,the second day, after aweek, after two weeks, amonth. Sorry, your rewardscan’t be cigarettes! Makethem something affordableand special to you: a book,some music, a dinner ata favorite restaurant, amassage or a movie. Putthe money you would havespent on cigarettes intoa jar. On reward day, usethat cash to celebrate yoursmoke-free victory with aspecial treat.Tip #7: Make a listStart a list of all the reasons fornot smoking. Hang these on therefrigerator, a mirror or anywhereyou’ll see them often. Use them tomotivate yourself to stay smokefree. Remind yourself why youneed to stay smoke-free.Tip #8: Throw away the pastGet rid of your cigarettes, lighters,ashtrays, matches and any otherobjects that remind you of yourformer habit. These things cantrip you up and lure you back. Outof sight, out of mind.Tip #5:Fight the urgesWhen that irresistiblea n d over p ow e r i n gu rge fo r a cigar ett ecomes on, wait it outand fight it off. Takesome deep breaths.Have a healthy snack.Ca l l y o u r s u p p o r tp er s o n. D o s o m eexercises. Take a drinkof water. Fight theurge and defeat it, onelittle battle at a time.Tip #9: From ash to cashClean out the ashtray in yourcar and fill it with coins. Thiswill keep you from using theashtray for smoking.Tip #10: Think positiveIt may be the best tip of all tokeep a positive outlook andknow you can do this. Theright attitude often leadsto success in life, and inquitting smoking especially.Tell yourself you can do it,that you’re stronger thanany pack of cigarettes andthat you deserve to live ahealthy life.19
20C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeC.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeCLEARING THE AIR:BREATHTAKING BREATHING FACTSSmoking costs the U.S. more than 150billion in health care costs each year.Quitting isn’t easy. If you slip up and smoke, besure to get right back on track again.MEDS THATHELP YOU QUITTalk with your doctorbefore using any of thesemedications for quittingsmoking. Also check withyour insurance provider tosee if they cover the costof these treatment plans.What it is:What it is:Nicot ine patchNicot ine g umWhat it DOEs:What it DOEs:You wear a n icot inep a t ch o n t h e s k i n ,u sua lly on t he ar m.It su ppl ies sma l ldo s es of n icot ine toyou r bloo d s t r ea mt h roughou t t he day.A s y o u ch e w t h i sg um, it relea s esn icot i n e. You ca nchew this gum whenyou feel the urge tohave a cigarette.
C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeWhat it is:Nicot inena s a l sprayWhat it DOEs:With a doctor’sprescription, you sprayt h i s i nt o yo u r n o s efo r fa s t r el i ef f r o mnicotine cravings.What it is:What it is:P illsNicot ine in ha lerWhat it DOEs:What it DOEs:T here are s evera lprescription medicineson the market. Talk toyour doctor about whichone is best for you. Thesemedicines don’t containnicotine, but work inother ways to suppressthe desire to smoke.Inhaled through themouth, it satisfies theu rge fo r cigar ett es,working a s quick lyas nicotine gum.What it is:Nicot ine lozengeWhat it DOEs:WARNING!Never smoke cigarettes while using thepatch, gum, sprays, inhalers or pills.Too much nicotine in your system cancause a heart attack. Carefully followthe directions on the package.Placed bet ween yourgums and cheek,you suck the lozengeslowly. As it dissolvesthe nicotine entersthe bloodstream.Centers for Disease Control:Smoking Cessation:www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data statistics/fact sheets/cessation/quitting21
22C.O.P.D.: Your Disease, One Breath at a TimeMANAGING YOUR MEDICINEGO TEAM!You have several players on your COPDmanagement team who are all workingtoward the same goal: to make you well.These players include your doctors, nurses,case mana
breath of fresh air. DISCLAIMER: This book provides general information about COPD and related issues. The . is a gradual shortness of breath. Over time, this condition becomes noticeable and starts to get in the way of everyday tasks and activities. Shortness of breath even while resting is common. 8.
Breath Management: Breathy Singing - pg. 23 Breath Management: Abdominal-wall Action - pg. 25 Breath Management: Breath Retention Vs. Quick Expulsion - pg. 27 Breath Management: Overcrowding the Lungs - pg. 29 Breath Management: Checking Airflow Levels - pg. 31 Breath Management: Holding The Breath - pg. 33 Breath Management .
Prana Vayu: The Breath of Vitality Vyana Vayu: The Breath of Integration Udana Vayu: The Breath of Ascent Samana Vayu: The Breath of Balance Apana Vayu: The Anchoring Breath By Sandra Anderson Yoga International senior editor Sandra Anderson is co-author of Yoga: Mastering the Basics and has taught yoga and meditation for over 25 years.
How long do you think you can hold your breath? _ (Specify if your estimate is in seconds or minutes.) Now, take a deep breath and hold your breath as long as you can, while someone in your group times you. Be sure to hold your nose while you hold your breath.
You feel it almost all the time You have new or worsening shortness of breath Your shortness of breath gets worse with activity and only settles a little bit with rest It is somewhat hard to breathe. 7-10. You may have . Severe. shortness of breath if: It comes on quickly or has gotten much worse You almost always feel anxious Breathing is .
Breathe on Me, Breath of God 1. Breathe on me, breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what thou dost love, And do what thou wouldst do. 2. Breathe on me, breath of God, Until my heart is pure; Until with thee I will one will, To do and to endure. 3. Breathe on me, breath of God, Till I am wholly thine; Until this earthly part of me
Every Breath You Take 100: Seeing a Castle Dharma Talk presented by Ven. Shikai Zuiko o-sensei Dainen-ji, March 5th, 2011 There's one thing that you can be sure of and that is that if you're feeling the breath right now, you're feeling the breath right now. Yeah. That's about it. [students laugh]
controlling your breath, it’s that easy. The full-body breath is a great start – it’s a long slow breath in, followed by a long slow breath out. Exhale fully, and then, start slowly filling your lungs from the very bottom, continuing to the heart area, and then keep
2 API R. ECOMMENDED. P. RACTICE. 500. 1.2.4. Section 9 is applicable to locations in which flammable petroleum gases and vapors and volatile flammable liquids are processed, stored, loaded, unloaded, or otherwise handled in petroleum refineries. 1.2.5 . Section 10 is applicable to location s surrounding oil and gas drilling and workover rigs and production facilities on land and on marine .
