Life Tethered to a Concentrator — Caroline Gainer

I’ve recently been reflecting on how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs intersects with chronic illness, moderate means, and the dignity of helping others. I’m doing so through the lens of my chronic obstructive pulmonary…

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can rob us of certain physical abilities, possibly preventing us from doing some of our favorite activities. But for many of us, the disease’s mental effects are even…

Those of us living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have learned to pay close attention to subtle changes in our bodies to avoid or quickly address respiratory infections, which can lead to…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with guaifenesin. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. We always hear that we…

Those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are encouraged to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. I like to think that I harvest my health from a raised bed. I sit on…

Arthritis often occurs with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For me, each moment of pain in my hips is another ding to my oxygen saturation, or at least that’s how it seems. I’ve…

Shortly after I begin to stir in the morning, I stir some nutrients into my morning coffee. I have shared my “magic coffee” recipe with many of my friends with chronic obstructive pulmonary…

I recently read an article on my newsfeed that said Arnold Schwarzenegger, bodybuilder, actor, and onetime California governor, had a four-word mantra: “Stay busy. Be useful.” I thought this was a wonderful…

I have a few tips, tricks, and gadgets that help me live a good life with my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They come during my morning and evening routines, which help…

While watching coverage of a landslide on my news feed, I was reminded of a time when I had a close brush with one. A carpool I was in just missed it, but the…

Growing up in rural central West Virginia, I can remember the doctor coming to the house with his black bag full of medicine and instruments. Now I have two providers that I consult with…