COPD Health Education Managing COPD COPD77807CONS SAR00340 Funding for this program provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Managing Your COPD COPD is a serious lung condition It can make it difficult for you to perform even basic tasks, like walking to the mailbox or climbing stairs 1a There is no cure, but COPD is preventable and treatable 1b, 2a If you have COPD, then your healthcare provider may prescribe medication and advise you to make lifestyle changes so that you can live a healthier and active life 2b

Quit Smoking Stop smoking now since it can make COPD worse 1a, 2 – Remove temptations by avoiding smoky areas or people who smoke Get help – Talk to your healthcare provider about tools and programs to help you quit 1b – Join NBCI’s smoking cessation program, which will be running in several Baltimore churches soon – Visit Smokefree.gov

Live Healthier Get active 1 – COPD shouldn’t stop you from doing the things you want to do Maintain a healthy weight 1 – Talk to your healthcare provider about your weight and what it should be 1 People who are overweight may need to lose weight to breathe easier 1 People who are underweight may need to gain a few pounds to avoid losing too much weight when COPD gets worse. They also may be more prone to infections and illnesses 1 Practice good hygiene – Wash your hands often 1 – Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose 1 – Call your healthcare provider at the first sign of a cold 1

Live Healthier (Continued) Get plenty of rest 1 – You’re more likely to get sick, and suffer worsening symptoms, when you’re too tired 1 – Take your time – don’t try to do too much at one time. Ask for help when you need it 1 Rearrange your home 1 – Place items you use regularly in places that are easy to reach 1 – Buy products that help make daily chores easier, such as a shower stool 1 Learn more – Talk to other people with COPD about the condition 1 – Find out ways you can take charge of your COPD 1

Live Healthier, Avoid Irritants Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. 1 But there are ways you can improve the air in your home: – Open windows and run exhaust fans 1 – Don’t let anyone smoke in your home 1 – Remove clutter and anything that collects dust 1 – Wash bed linens every week 1 – Run a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels 1 – Keep pets off furniture 1 – Clean floors and carpets 1 – Install an air filtration system 1 – Remove household chemicals such as paints, varnishes, and cleaning products 1

Take Your Medicine Follow your healthcare provider’s direction closely 1 – Take your medicine as directed, 1 using the same dose at the same time each day – Refill your prescriptions – give yourself enough time so you don’t run out 1 – Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider, even if you feel fine 1 Well-visits are required under the new healthcare policies 2 Talk to your healthcare provider about taking vaccines against flu and pneumonia 1 – Local pharmacies and grocery stores may offer these shots for free during the seasons 1

When COPD Gets Worse Reduce the chance for “flare- ups” (also known as “exacerbations”) 1, 2, 3 You may have 1 or 2 each year for many reasons 3 Flare-ups worsen as your COPD progresses 3 so help prevent or reduce them by: – Taking your medicines as prescribed 3 – Following a pulmonary rehab program 3 – Leading a healthy life by eating a nutritious diet, stop smoking, exercising and getting plenty of rest 3 Signs that your COPD may be getting worse may include: – Wheezing 3 – Increased cough 3 – Increased shortness of breath 3 – Increased mucus production 3 – Shallow or rapid breathing 3 – Increased heart rate 3 – Change in mucus color 3 – Fever 3

Make a Plan with Your Healthcare Provider Find out if and when your healthcare provider wants to see you when you experience a flare-up 1 – Ask how you can get an appointment as soon as it happens 1 Ask if there are medications to help manage COPD flare-ups 1

When You’re Feeling Anxious or Depressed It’s common for people to experience anxiety or depression after being diagnosed with COPD. They may feel frustrated when trying to complete tasks that once seemed simple. They may feel scared whenever they have trouble breathing. 1 There are things you can do now to help you overcome feelings of anxiety or depression: Learn more about COPD and what is happening to your lungs Find ways to feel your best. This might include exercising, starting a new hobby, or making changes to improve your home 1 Talk to someone you trust about your feelings 1 Ask your healthcare provider about your treatment options, including antidepressant medicine 1

Find the Support You Need Check out a local COPD support group where you can share information with and find encouragement from other people who have COPD 1 Ask your pastor about NBCI COPD support groups, which will be running throughout Baltimore Call the COPD Foundation’s C.O.P.D. Information Line at COPD (2673) to speak with someone about COPD 1 Refer to your COPD Health Note for more helpful information