Positive Options for Living with Copd

"You can and will be able to make a significant difference in the quality of your life if you make the commitment to take an active role in managing your disease." -- From the book Armed with good information what can you do? Breathe easier, live longer, enjoy life more! Teri Allen, a registered respiratory therapist who has worked with COPD patients for almost 20 years, shows you how in this clearly written and wonderfully comprehensive guide.While a diagnosis of COPD (a condition that can include emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis) can feel devastating, and while symptoms can be debilitating, there is a great deal you can do to experiencemore energy less shortness of breath a fuller, happier life More than 12 million people in the U.S. are currently living with COPD--and an additional 12 million may be undiagnosed--so you are clearly not alone. What's more, as Allen points out, we all have limitations we must navigate. Still, your challenges are real, and that's why Allen created this resource. Patients at every stage of COPD can learn to work with their limitations, rather than against them, in all aspects of life--around the home, out and about, and during flare-ups.You will gain greater control over your disease and your life by learning tobreathe effectively and control coughingbest use medications, including alternative and naturopathic remediesdeal with emotional and psychological issuesidentify your personal symptom triggersexercise safely, choose optimal foods, and quit if you are a smoker Complete with tips on working with doctors, insurance companies and home-care providers, this is smart, accessible information and advice for everyone who has or cares for someone with COPD.