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Vivianne Toupin - Vancouver, B.C.

Ironically, it was only when I saw my doctor about a heart problem that I discovered I also suffered from chronic lung disease. That was 17 years ago. In truth, for the first nine years following diagnosis I ignored my COPD and chose to concentrate more intensively on managing my heart disease. Now I’m concentrating on the COPD.

Knowledge is a powerful thing: If you have COPD, many things are available to help you live a full, comfortable life. I live by the motto “the more I do, the more I can do.” Whatever activities you can do, do them as much and as often as you can. Research is showing that exercise can really help COPD, and I think the social aspect involved in many exercise pursuits helps too. I say, get moving, and you’ll feel better - even if that means starting by walking down the block and back.