The Changing Face of COPD COPD was once thought to be a disease of retired, white men who smoked. In reality, COPD affects men and women. Due to these stereotypes and the lack of awareness of COPD, primary care clinicians may not recognize early symptoms of the disease. The PSA illustrates how the face of COPD is changing and how primary care clinicians can help uncover the disease by asking the right questions.

En esta encuesta se le hacen preguntas sobre usted, su respiración y su capacidad para realizar algunasactividades. Para contestar la encuesta, marque con una X la casilla que describa mejor su respuesta a cadauna de las preguntas a continuación.

 Make physical activity a regular part of the day  Choose activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. Fitting activity into a daily routine can be easy — such   as taking a brisk 10 minute walk to and from the parking lot, bus stop, or subway station. Or, join an exercise class. Keep it interesting by trying something different on alternate days. Every little bit adds up and doing something is better than doing nothing. Make sure to do at least 10 minutes of activity at a time, shorter bursts of activity will not have the same health benefits. For example, walking the dog for 10 minutes before and after work or adding a 10 minute walk at lunchtime can add to your weekly goal. Mix it up. Swim, take a yoga class, garden or lift weights. To be ready anytime, keep some comfortable clothes and a pair of walking or running shoes in the car and at the office.

• Include milk or calcium-fortified soymilk (soy beverage) as a beverage at meals. Choose fat-free or low-fat milk.
• If you usually drink whole milk, switch gradually to fat-free milk, to lower saturated fat and calories. Try reduced fat (2%), then low-fat (1%), and finally fat-free (skim).
• If you drink cappuccinos or lattes — ask for them with fat-free (skim) milk.         (read more)

 In general:

• Keep a bowl of whole fruit on the table, counter, or in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate cut-up fruit to store for later.
• Buy fresh fruits in season when they may be less expensive and at their peak flavor.
• Buy fruits that are dried, frozen, and canned (in water or 100% juice) as well as fresh, so that you always have a supply on hand.
• Consider convenience when shopping. Try pre-cut packages of fruit (such as melon or pineapple chunks) for a healthy snack in seconds. Choose packaged fruits that do not have added sugars. (Read more)