Taking my responsibility for learning as much as I can about my COPD/Asthma is something I choose to do so to make myself more aware of what is happening now, what may happen at any moment and what may lay ahead as I travel my path of life with the companionship of COPD/Asthma.

As a writer, I find it important to share what I learn with others so that they also may gain knowledge needed to have more secure footing when they battle their own illness or chronic disease.

With that, ‘Reflections of COPD/Asthma’ will cover a variety of topics to help remind people, both those affected by the disease and those family and friends that surround them, of the ideas, research, diagnoses, game-plans and all that goes with keeping the battles at a distance.

Today we kick off or refresh a five-part series on the ‘5 Myths of COPD/Asthma that can make you sicker’ if you let them.

Note that the majority, of the information shared in this series comes from an article written by Beth W. Orenstein and was reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH.

With COPD now considered the third leading cause of death in the United States and with more than 12 million Americans having COPD, Asthma, Emphysema or Chronic Bronchitis – it is surprising that most people still do not know much about the disease and those that do seem to have many misconceptions.  This being stated by Sandra Adams, MD, MS, a pulmonologist in San Antonio.

COPD Myth #1: “COPD is a death sentence.”

While COPD never goes away and is considered a progressive disease – it is not an immediate death sentence.  With the many therapies now available the chances of living longer with COPD are greatly enhanced.  But to prolong the time for celebrating life while having COPD you will be required to do things that may be really tough to do and require commitment such as quitting smoking, leaving a job where the environment is bad for your breathing and learning to exercise on a regular basis.

Yes, those changes can be very difficult for many, especially the breaking of the smoking habit – but breaking that habit not only will enhance your own long term prognosis, but also the prognosis of those around you who also inhaled the second-hand smoke you left behind.

And that exercise stuff can be very difficult to work into a daily routine, especially if you have never been an exercise enthusiast – but it will enhance the timeframe of your days living to enjoy family, friends and fun.

If a person diagnosed with COPD follows the plan set forth by their health care team they will find that COPD is not only NOT a Death Sentence, but it will find your daily struggles fewer and much more manageable.

QUESTION OF REFLECTION – – How long did it take you to realize your COPD was not a death sentence?

As always, CrossDove Writer reminds you that if you or anyone you know have any symptoms involving lung and breathing functionality, and they linger over and over while disrupting a lifestyle – then please ask questions and get it checked out.

ALWAYS REMEMBER > a person without breathing is a person without life itself.

NOTE TO REMEMBER: We only give descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having COPD and/or asthma and no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical treatment type of information, always consult your physician for more, clearer and more medical founded information.

With that I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing – Mr. William.

(Copyright@2017, CrossDove Writer)

To follow all postings about COPD/Asthma by CrossDove Writer and Mr. William at wheezingaway.com or on Facebook at COPD Travels.

(Information gathered from various news/health websites, COPD Foundation’s “Big Fat Reference Guide on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease” and the book “Live Your Life with COPD”)

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