Benefits of exercising for COPD Patients

Please read this important safety information about DuoNeb^®

DuoNeb^® is indicated for the treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD for patients requiring more than one bronchodilator. In a 12-week clinical study, the most common adverse reactions reported with DuoNeb^® Inhalation Solution were chest pain, pharyngitis, diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea, and leg cramps.

Albuterol sulfate can have a significant cardiovascular effect, significant hypokalemia, and the potential life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm. Caution is advised in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder-neck obstruction. Co-administration of DuoNeb^® Inhalation Solution and other sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.

Exercising is a way of taking control of your COPD. Exercise can:

Improve oxygen utilization
Reduce shortness of breath
Increase your work capacity
Build muscle strength to help you stay active
Help raise your spirits

Why is exercise important for me?

There are 2 very good reasons to exercise:

1.	It makes you feel good about yourself. When you feel good about yourself, you will find you feel better!

2.	Lack of exercise affects people with COPD in some of the same ways it affects people without COPD: Your muscles, including your heart, will get weaker Your shortness of breath may increase Your capacity to exercise will decrease Your immune system may weaken, making it harder for you to fight infection

As a result, you may find yourself even more depressed. When that happens, you�re in a vicious cycle. Your depression keeps you from exercising. And your lack of exercise increases your depression.

Will exercising make it easier for me to breathe?

It just might. Exercise does not improve your lung function. However, it does improve the way your body makes use of your lung function. All the rewards you get from exercising will help you with everyday activities at work and at home. You�ll find it easier to shop, cook, have some fun, and spend time with your friends.

There are psychological benefits, too:

Exercise almost always helps you feel good about yourself
You may find yourself less anxious about shortness of breath
You might just feel less tired and more energetic
Increased energy will help you be more independent

Taking control of your COPD through exercise is about improving the quality of your life.

For more information on exercising, check out the following sites:

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

American Association for Respiratory Care

The Cleveland Clinic

NOTE: Talk to your doctor for a plan that�s right for you.

What kinds of exercises should I do?
It is important to find your comfort level with an exercise regimen that feels good but doesn�t cause distress.

Exercises for COPD are simple to do and don�t take too much time. Most doctors and pulmonary rehabilitation programs suggest 2 types of exercise:

	Aerobic exercises, which increase oxygen flow to your muscles
	Upper and lower body exercises, which strengthen muscles

Self-motivation

Try whatever you can to keep up your interest in exercising:

	Work up to sustaining your activity for 20 to 30 minutes two to four times a week. Let yourself feel proud when you achieve your goals.
	Alternate your exercise activities such as swimming, walking, upper-body weight training, and low-impact aerobics.
	Make your exercising into fun. Do the things you enjoy the most.
	Work out with a friend. Share the time and keep up the conversation. Remember, you should be able to talk while exercising.
	Exercise in your chair if you have trouble standing.