For over two years, the C.O.P.D. Information Line has helped individuals living with COPD, their caregivers, health care professionals, as well as members of the general public obtain information about COPD and the Foundation. Several questions have come up time and time again, so the COPD Foundation thought it would be useful to publish a list of top ten questions asked on the Information Line.
Absolutely! Subscriptions to the COPD Digest are free, and can be obtained by calling the C.O.P.D. Information Line (18663102673) or online at: www.copdfoundation.org. You can also read the Digest online at www.copddigest.org.
Ok, so there are actually two questions here. But yes, all of the C.O.P.D. Information Line associates are individuals who are living with COPD. They are all volunteers, so they spend some hours helping to staff the Information Line every week, answering questions, providing resources and support to callers. Associates are trained to use their knowledge and experience to answer questions to the best of their ability. (No medical advice is given.)
The COPD Foundation has offices in Miami, FL and recently opened an office Washington, DC. Volunteers and staff live across the country and the Foundation’s programs work on both a local and national level.
All of the associates have different ways to help them stay positive. Many say that exercise (such as in pulmonary rehab) and staying active help their mood. Socializing and other activities also help them feel good. It’s also important to learn as much as possible about COPD. By being informed, they feel as if they have more control in managing their COPD and health. Finally, they all find satisfaction in helping others like themselves through community programs, such as by volunteering for the COPD Foundation!
The Foundation recently printed the 1s, 2s, and 3s of COPD booklet (26 pages) which has basic information about COPD, including symptoms, how to get tested, pulmonary rehab, and a list of resources within the COPD Foundation as well as in the community. The Foundation is also developing the COPD Big Fat Reference Guide? (also known as the COPD BFRG) which will be available in print and online. The COPD BFRG covers all sorts of topics relating to many aspects of a COPDer’s life, including nutrition and exercise, smoking cessation, treatments, pulmonary rehab, and communicating with your doctor among others.
In addition to these two publications,
the Foundation distributes materials developed by the COPD Learn
More Breathe Better? campaign. For a complete list of publications
distributed through the Foundation, call the Information Line or visit
the COPD Foundation’s website (www.copdfoundation.org).
Every associate will tell you that it’s important to start exercising and eating healthy. For COPDers, pulmonary rehab will most of the time be the answer to feeling better physically and mentally. So if you haven’t started an exercise regimen and adopted healthy eating habits, it’s time to start!
This is a very important question and one that merits a longer discussion. But in short, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has permitted passengers to bring portable oxygen concentrators on board with them. However, there are several requirements that need to be met. Certain airlines permit only certain POCs, and require advance notice, physician referral, and other documentation. Before booking your trip, contact your airline’s medical desk or officer and ask them about their requirements.
The COPD Research Registry is a confidential database of individuals diagnosed with COPD or at risk of developing COPD. The Registry was established in 2007 by the COPD Foundation to help researchers learn more about COPD and to help people interested in COPD research find opportunities to participate. By calling the C.O.P.D. Information Line or visiting the COPD Foundation website, you can find out how to obtain more information on enrolling.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (called Alpha-1) is the most common known genetic cause of COPD. Doctors recommend that everyone diagnosed with COPD be tested for Alpha-1. Individuals living with Alpha-1 have a different treatment plan, therefore it’s important to be tested for Alpha-1 once you are diagnosed with COPD by your doctor. This will help make sure you and your doctor can create the best treatment plan for you.
Of course! The C.O.P.D. Information Line associates have a comprehensive database of pulmonary rehabs and support groups in every state. If you’re looking for one in your area, give the Information Line a call and an associate can help find someone near you.
The C.O.P.D. Information Line volunteer associates feel rewarded by the service they provide to their community! You can do something for your community too.
If you . . .
Call the C.O.P.D. Information Line at 18663162673 to find out how you can become a volunteer. Make a difference in the COPD community!
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