What it's like to 'wear oxygen'
LA Times - June 1, 2009
By Lillian Hawthorne

A year ago I was diagnosed with COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a catch-all label for many different breathing problems. My particular situation is that my lungs are compressed and cannot expand sufficiently to provide needed oxygen. (read more)

Mindful breathing can ease COPD symptoms
southcoasttoday.com - May 31, 2009
By Paul G. Donohue M.D.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I remember reading something you wrote a long time ago about the proper way to breathe for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I didn't need the information then. I do now.(read more)

Healthier Lifestyle Can Cut COPD Symptoms
Atlanta Journal Consitution - May 20, 2009

A lifestyle intervention program that promoted exercise, healthy eating and quitting smoking improved the health of people with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was cost-effective, a new study shows. (read more)

Health Buzz: Smoking Is Worse for Women and Other Health News
US News and World Report - May 19, 2009
By Megan Johnson

A recent study suggests that women who smoke cigarettes develop lung disease earlier than their male counterparts, Reuters reports. Researchers looked at a group of 954 current or past smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD, a lung disease in which the airways are damaged or blocked by mucus, makes breathing difficult. The new findings, presented yesterday at the American Thoracic Society's annual meeting in San Diego, showed that women younger than 60 with COPD had worse lung function than the men their age. Women who were light smokers had also developed more severe disease than men who smoked lightly. (read more)

Diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Seacoastonline.com - May 3, 2009
By Paul K. Deranian, MD

Did you know chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a dangerous, under-recognized disease that affects as many as 25 (read more)

Len Geiger's presentation at Tucson Respiratory Rally now live on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/breatheeasyaz

Breathe Easy Arizona launches YouTube page.

Breathe Easy Arizona launches Face Book page.

Upcoming COPD Coalition Activities
There are several new things on the horizon for the COPD Coalition. In the coming weeks, look for a new COPD Awareness Campaign. Early detection will be the primary focus of this new campaign because it is a crucial part of managing the disease.

The website will be redesigned as a portal to research, news articles and other helpful information about COPD. The goal is to ensure the web site remains user-friendly while providing in-depth information and broad resources for COPD patients, family members and caregivers. There also will be webcasts of COPD and lung health advocates and experts available on the website. The first webcast will feature Len Geiger, who is an Alpha-one patient and was the keynote speaker at Tucson’s Respiratory Rally on April 4. Also, the Respiratory Rally committee will reform and begin meeting soon. Those who are interested in participating can contact Amber Fahs in the Tucson office at 520.323.1812 office or Charles Monroe or Mary Kurth in the Phoenix office at 602-258-7505.

Free COPD Awareness Classes Available to Everyone

The American Lung Association is offering classes on COPD and tobacco intervention. Currently, there are three sessions being taught: COPD 101, COPD Specialist Course and Brief Tobacco Intervention Skills. These classes, like most ALA classes, are free to attend.

“And the nice thing is, we come to you,” said Lisa Kaufman, COPD program manager and provider educator. “People are usually so surprised when they find out we will go out and teach these classes where ever they need us to, even out in the rural areas. That’s what ALA does.”

The classes provide a range of information. COPD 101 raises awareness about COPD, its early warning signs, risk factors and testing. The COPD Specialist Course is an advanced, day-long training session for healthcare professionals. Brief Tobacco Intervention Skills classes teach healthcare providers ways to offer smoking cessation programs and referrals. To schedule a class in Northern Arizona, contact Lisa Kaufman at the ALA’s Phoenix office by calling 602-258-7505. For classes in Southern Arizona, call Scott Cerreta, COPD program manager and provider educator, at ALA’s Tucson office by calling 520-323-1812.

Tip of the Month: Eating Right with COPD
Shortness of breath during meals is a common problem for COPD patients and can result in malnutrition. Here are a few tips:

• To have more energy, rest before eating
• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Chew your foods completely and eat slowly
• Allow yourself plenty of time to eat
• Avoid foods that force you to chew excessively
• Avoid drinking fluids until after you finish eating

Also, because some people with COPD frequently eat less, eat foods that are high in calories. Consider supplementing meals with nutritional drinks.