More support for managing COPD

(BPT) - Chances are you know someone affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In the U.S., nearly 15 million people are diagnosed with the condition, which can often make going about life very difficult.

Many new challenges await people living with COPD, from dealing with a diagnosis to learning how to do things differently. Having access to education and support can help.

For people affected by COPD, COPD.com is a great resource with interactive tools that provide disease education and help strengthen dialogue between patients, their caregivers and healthcare providers.

In the “Doc Talk” feature, for example, people can find ideas and specific actions that can foster strong relationships with their healthcare providers, including tools, checklists and suggestions for each office visit. This is especially important given how critical it is to have a strong partnership with a healthcare provider for improved management of your COPD.

On the site, people with COPD will find tools, tips and inspirational testimonials. These resources provide suggestions on how to work closely with healthcare providers to develop an individualized action plan as well as how to educate others close to them about COPD.

One of the patients featured on the site, Alice, 61, is living with COPD and believes in moving forward with an active lifestyle and positive attitude. She takes things one day at a time by setting manageable, personal goals and having a step-by-step action plan.

“I know there’s no cure for COPD, but I’m not thinking in negative terms,” she says. “I’m thinking positively. I’m going to come as close to eating right as I can. I’m going to do my exercises, keep busy, and keep my courage up.”

“COPD can be very challenging to manage, both physically and emotionally,” says Dr. Courtney Crim, director of Respiratory Clinical Development at GSK. “The new COPD.com is about providing a shared experience of what it’s like to live with COPD, promoting understanding and dialogue about the disease, and helping people adjust to the day-to-day challenges that come with COPD.”

If you or someone you love is living with COPD, visit COPD.com today.

GSK paid patients in the videos on COPD.com for their time and expense in sharing their experiences living with COPD.