COPD cannot be cured but you can do a lot to keep it in control.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, quitting is the most important thing
you can do. It is the only action that may stop
your disease from getting worse. Stay away from
secondhand smoke because it also is harmful.
Start or increase your activity level
Being active can give you more energy. It can help
tone your muscles, like those you use to breathe.
Eat healthful foods
Making healthy food choices will provide
you with the energy needed for your daily
activities. The nutrients provided by eating
fresh fruits and vegetables also may help
fight infections and illnesses.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight makes your heart and
lungs work harder – making it harder to
breathe. Being underweight may make you
feel weak and tired – which makes you more
prone to getting an infection.
Talk with your health care practitioner about what you should weigh. Ask him or her to help you develop a healthy eating and exercise plan.
Get the vaccines you need
They can help keep you from getting the flu
and pneumonia. Those are infections that
can hurt your lungs. Ask your health care
practitioner which shots to get and when.
Avoid pollutants
Try to stay away from secondhand
smoke, and frequent exposure to dust
and chemicals.
Next topic: Important COPD reminders