LIVING WELL WITH COPD
Make time to exercise most days.
Do something simple that you
enjoy. It might be walking outside
or at a mall. Develop a pattern. Try
to slightly increase it each week.
If recommended by your doctor,
consider enrolling in a pulmonary
health rehabilitation program with
supervised exercise and other
services.
Exercise
Fitness is a very important contributor
to health. Those who are fit feel better
and experience fewer illnesses. Many
of us avoid exercise. Those with COPD
tend to avoid it even more. This is
because they struggle to minimize
their shortness of breath. Work with
your doctor on an exercise program
that:
•
•
•
•
Decreases Shortness of Breath
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a very
important part of treatment of
symptoms in patients with moderate/
severe and advanced COPD. These
programs (covered by Medicare and
most insurance companies) may help
you reduce the physical impact of
COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation is
designed to help you:
•
Control or reduce breathlessness
Improves Quality of Life
Improves Exercise Ability
Increases Muscle Strength
This comprehensive program
offers:
• Structured, monitored exercise
training
•
• Nutrition advice
• Education about maintaining and
improving body function
•
• Help to quit smoking
• Improved muscle function to
decrease shortness of breath
Techniques for reducing and
controlling breathing problems
Emotional and psychological
support
Pulmonary rehabilitation improves
the quality of life for many people
with COPD. To learn more about the
benefits, talk to your doctor. These
programs are usually done in an
outpatient setting. If referred for this
program, you will be expected to go
at least two to three times a week for
6-8 weeks. When you complete the
program, you will get instructions on
how to do your exercise program at
home.
Good Nutrition
Good nutrition – eating the right foods
– can also help you better manage
your COPD. Some people with COPD
have trouble keeping weight on. When
you lose weight, you lose muscle
mass. It can weaken your strength and
cause other physical limitations. Other
people with COPD may be overweight.
This makes it harder to breathe. It’s
important to work with your doctor to
find your ideal weight.
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To maintain a healthy weight:
• Eat several smaller meals
throughout the day instead of
three large ones
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep
airway mucus thin and free-flowing
•
• Eat slowly
Chew food thoroughly