The goals of COPD education is to provide COPD patients with the necessary education and tools to increase their understanding and self-confidence in the management of their disease. This is accomplished by providing education on all aspects of COPD, while focusing on the individual needs of each patient/family. We provide hands-on education on COPD medications and devices and develop an individualized written action plan to assist with at-home/work/travel COPD management.

All smokers risk developing COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. If you are over 40 and smoke or used to smoke, you may already have COPD.

To determine whether you may have COPD, answer the following questions below:

Source: Asthma Landmark Survey

• Do you cough regularly?

• Do you cough up phlegm (mucous) regularly?

• Do simple chores make you short of breath?

• Do you wheeze when you exert yourself, or at night?

• Do you get frequent colds that persist longer than those of other people you know?

Source: Canadian Lung Health Test – Canadian Lung Association

If you or someone you love, answer “yes” to one or more questions, discuss this with your physician.

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a long-term lung disease usually caused by smoking. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, increased mucus and coughing. Some people with COPD say it feels like they’re breathing through a straw.

COPD can’t be cured, but it can be treated. With the right treatment, people with COPD can lead active lives and live for many years. People can learn strategies for living with COPD.

You can have control of COPD and its symptoms. Much of your COPD management is learning about your disease and how best to treat it. COPD educators can help you manage your symptoms. Talk to your physician about a referral to a COPD educator to learn how you can enjoy a better and more active quality of life.