Vim & Vigor - Summer 2019 - GMC - 39

TRUE OR FALSE:

COPD is rare.

FALSE. COPD is far more common than a lot of people realize,
says Jamie Sullivan, vice president of
public policy and outcomes at the
COPD Foundation. COPD is the
fourth leading cause of death in the
country, according to 2016 figures
from the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. About
6.4 percent of Americans say they've
been told they have COPD, and
experts note that a significant number of people who have the disease
have not been diagnosed.

TRUE OR FALSE:

Only smokers get COPD.

FALSE. About 90 percent of
people with COPD have smoked.
But environmental pollutants,
including secondhand smoke, air
pollution and chemicals, can contribute to a person's risk, and some
people inherit a genetic risk.
"Many people associate COPD
only with smoking," Sullivan says.
That stigma, she says, can affect
whether people with the disease
feel empowered versus ashamed,
how doctors talk about COPD, and
even policies and funding.

TRUE OR FALSE:

underdiagnosed and undertreated,
so it's important that they advocate
for themselves and talk to their
doctors about their risks and any
symptoms they notice.

TRUE OR FALSE:

You can't exercise
with COPD.

FALSE. Although it seems
like breathing challenges would
prevent a person from exercising,
it's important to keep moving.
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
are designed to help people exercise safely, gain education and build
their lung function.
"I cannot emphasize this enough,"
Williams says. "If you have pulmonary
rehab in your area, have your doctor refer you. It is life-changing. It is
the single best tool that people with
COPD can have in their toolbox."

TRUE OR FALSE:

There is no cure for COPD.

TRUE. COPD has no known
cure, but treatments can help people breathe easier and improve their
quality of life. In addition to pulmonary rehab, medications or supplemental oxygen may help. And some
people are candidates for lung surgery to improve their breathing. ■

Both men and women
get COPD.

TRUE. COPD was once thought
of as a man's disease. But a 2013
report from the American Lung
Association noted that women are
37 percent more likely than men to
have COPD. Women are also more
likely to die of the disease. The
report points out that women are

LIVING WITH
LUNG PROBLEMS
COPD is a chronic condition that can affect
a person's daily activities, but life doesn't
have to stop after a diagnosis.
Pam Garrett, APRN, GMC's pulmonary
program coordinator, offers some insightful
advice for those living with COPD:
Stop smoking. Every cigarette you
smoke is damaging your lungs. Stopping
is the best way to slow the progression of
COPD and improve your overall health.
Adjust your mindset. Focus on what
you can do instead of what you can't. You
can live an active, vibrant life, but you have
to do your part and take an active role in
managing your disease.
Keep active. "Pulmonary rehabilitation
and exercise improve the quality of life
for many people with COPD by improving
stamina and reducing breathlessness,"
emphasizes Garrett.
Get out and about. "While traveling
can cause some trepidation for people with
COPD, with education and planning, you
can still enjoy taking trips," Garrett says.
For example, check the air quality reports
of your destination so you know what to
expect, and be aware of potential symptom
triggers, such as cold weather, pollen
and campfires.
Partner with your doctor. "Every
person's COPD experience is different,
so working with your doctor is essential,"
Garrett says. Your doctor can help to
develop a personal plan to maximize your
health and well-being.

WEBSITE

Could I Have COPD?
Nearly 15 million U.S. adults have this chronic condition. To better understand
your risk for, or diagnosis of, COPD, visit everydaywellness.org/COPD.

SUMME R 2019

http://www.everydaywellness.org/COPD

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2019 - GMC

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