COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is the fourth leading killer in the US and the only chronic disease rising in incidence. Nutrition and exercise are vital to maintaining quality of life.
COPD is a systemic disease, meaning that it involves more than just lungs. It is important to eat as healthy a diet as possible to help limit exacerbations, maintain immunity against infections, curb muscle loss, and preserve bone health.
A dietitian knowledgeable about the latest standards of care for nutrition management of COPD can help manage this disease.
If you are in Rhode Island and would like to schedule an appointment, click on “About/Contact” tab.
There are also quite a few online COPD support groups that are excellent for self help and for up-to-date information. These include the COPD-Alert Support and Advocacy Group (http://www.copd-alert.com/) and COPD International (http://www.copd-international.com/). The message boards are very active with people supporting each other and passing on research and other useful information.
Education is key with COPD.
