Living with a chronic lung condition like asthma or chronic obstructive disease (COPD) can be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. In Canada, over 4.6 million people are living with asthma, and COPD affects a striking 10% of adults- nearly one in five people over 70.
A respiratory condition can impact you both mentally and physically. When breathing becomes difficult, it can be challenging to move, or communicate effectively. This can make it tough to express how you’re feeling or seek the support you need. But now is the time to take control, stop breathlessness and press play on life.
Are you experiencing any of these signs?
Frequent visits the emergency department
Using your blue inhaler two or more times a week
Regular flare-ups or worsening of symptoms
Feeling like your condition is controlling your life, affecting your ability to work, go to school or enjoy your favourite activities
MEET SCOTT BAILEY
“I think about my breathing every second of every day.“
Scott Bailey knows a thing or two about breathlessness.
He thinks about his breathing every day, all day, “because I have to. It’s something people with healthy lungs don’t ever think about,” he says.
Scott is not alone. He lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD – a condition that affects 10% of Canada’s adult population. COPD can’t be cured, but it can be treated.
Scott has found a way to ‘press play on life’
One of the most beneficial things Scott does is exercise with the Lung Health Foundation’s popular and in-demand virtual Fitness for Breath. “It definitely helps me with my breathing and keeping me fit. I’ve been doing it now for almost two years and it has helped me gain better respiratory control.”
Scott also golfs at Trillium Woods in Belleville twice a week for more exercise. Sometimes, modifications are needed – like using a golf cart while out on the course – and that’s okay!
A life where your symptoms are well-managed is possible.
Think about your breathing right now. Are you able to…
Go outdoors in the summer and enjoy the fresh air?
Make it to the top of the stairs with your groceries?
Get a full night’s sleep without waking up in the middle of the night with tightness in your chest or shortness of breath?
Picture yourself comfortably enjoying the outdoors, managing stairs without struggling, or sleeping through the night due to breathlessness. With proper management and support, you can improve your ability to engage in activities and enjoy the moments you cherish most with loved ones.
Steps to press play on life:
- Assess Your Condition: Recognize if your condition is uncontrolled or unmanaged.
- Create an Action Plan: Work with your healthcare provider to develop an Action Plan. This written guide helps you identify symptom changes and outlines specific actions to prevent and manage flare-ups.
- Understand and Manage: Learn about your symptoms, identify triggers, talk to your doctor, and use your maintenance medications as prescribed.
The Lung Health Foundation can help.
It’s time to break breathlessness and press play on life
Visit our resource library or speak with a Certified Respiratory Educator through our Lung Health Line at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) or send us an email any time (info@lunghealth.ca.).