Life has a tendency to throw some curveballs from time to time. Whether it be a simple change to our daily routine or something more serious like the coronavirus pandemic that we’re currently dealing with, it’s important to always stay on your feet and be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best.

If you are a parent or guardian, then you know what it's like to worry about your children's health, whether it's concern about illnesses, unhealthy environments, or risk for future disease. This worry is natural, and even rational, as early childhood experiences can have an effect your children's long-term health.

If there’s one word to describe the time we’re living in it’s “uncertainty.” Ever since the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States was reported back in late January, many Americans have struggled to make decisions about their health and financial well-being. With many cities across the country in a “lockdown” state and more and more people being encouraged to stay home and practice “social distancing,” it’s hard not to feel concerned about the future of the country.

When you have a chronic disease like COPD, certain drugs and medications can affect your body differently than they affect healthy adults. In fact, there is a huge number of medications that can be dangerous for people with COPD because they worsen COPD symptoms or have other adverse effects.

Around 1.5 million Americans use supplemental oxygen every day to treat respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), pneumonia, and more. Oxygen plays an important role in increasing oxygen saturation levels, maintaining pulmonary stability, and improving clinical outcomes for many patients. 

If you suffer from any number of respiratory ailments, you’re likely well aware of the important role oxygen therapy plays in your life. COPD patients, in particular, are able to significantly reduce chronic symptoms like breathlessness and chest pain by using supplemental oxygen on a daily basis. On the other hand, short-term oxygen therapy can assist patients in recovering more quickly after a hospital visit.

Telehealth is defined as “the use of telecommunications to provide long-distance administration of healthcare services for patients.” if you’re having trouble putting this into perspective, you’ve likely already used some form of telehealth services in the past. Scheduling a doctor’s visit by phone or through the internet is one example because you’re using a digital medium to make healthcare more convenient and accessible.

A portable oxygen concentrator is a medical oxygen device used to treat respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF). Unlike other oxygen machines like oxygen tanks or stationary oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be lightweight, efficient, and provide the patient with as much freedom as possible while still ensuring their oxygen needs are met. If you’ve never purchased an oxygen machine before or you’re looking for an upgrade to your current device, you’re probably trying to find a good starting point.

The need for a healthy diet is something that every person shares, young and old, sick and healthy, and everything in between. However, the importance of good nutrition grows as we get older, and it becomes critical for many people living with chronic diseases like COPD.

Being a COPD caregiver is no simple or straightforward task; it requires empathy, endurance, compassion, and creativity to fulfill the many different roles and responsibilities that the job requires. It often demands a great deal of time and self-sacrifice, while also requiring a seemly endless well of energy and patience.