Cooperative Living January/February 2024 - 21

MEMBER FYI
Breathing Easy
Reducing COPD risk in rural areas
Story courtesy of Family Features
C
OPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
is a serious lung condition that aff ects millions
of people. Also known as emphysema or chronic
bronchitis, COPD causes breathing problems that can
worsen over time.
Anyone can develop COPD, but smokers or ex-smokers
and people who live in rural areas of the country tend to
be more aff ected. In fact, rural residents are twice as likely
to have COPD as people who live in large cities. Th ey're
also more likely to be hospitalized or die from the disease
compared to other Americans.
To help lower your risk, wherever you live, consider these
steps from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
AVOID AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution may be a concern for many who live in rural
areas. If you work on a farm, in mining or in manufacturing,
you may be at risk for COPD from environmental exposure
to dust, fumes or smoke, such as from wildfi res. Talk to your
employer about ways to limit exposure on the job.
Consider air pollution at home, too. Ventilate indoor
spaces and clean oſt en to prevent dust buildup. If you are
burning wood or agricultural or solid waste, make sure
appropriate ventilation is in place and working properly.
Avoid using products with strong odors, which may contain
chemicals that could irritate the lungs.
DON'T SMOKE OR VAPE
Rural communities have higher rates of cigarette smoking,
which could contribute to higher COPD rates. One of the
most important things you can do to protect your lungs and
co-opliving.com
Rural residents
are twice as likely
to have COPD as
people who live
in large cities.
those of the people around you
is avoiding cigarette smoke. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD.
If you smoke, it is never too late to quit.
Steer clear of vaping, too. E-cigarettes don't contain
tobacco, but they may contain chemicals that are just as
harmful to your lungs.
TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
If you smoke or used to smoke, work in a job that might
put you at higher risk for COPD, or you or someone in your
family has a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin
defi ciency, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider
about your risk and any symptoms you may have. Th ese
include coughing that may bring up lots of mucus, wheezing,
chest tightness and shortness of breath. Early diagnosis and
treatment can help you breathe better.
Because people in rural areas may live farther away from
their healthcare providers, more hospitals and clinics now
off er telehealth services, which can make it easier to get
eff ective COPD care.
Ask a healthcare provider about possibly getting vaccines
for the fl u and COVID-19, RSV if you're over 60, and
pneumococcal disease if you're over 65. If you're at risk for
COPD, you're more likely to have health problems from
these vaccine-preventable illnesses as well. Wherever you call
home, you can take action to lower your risk for COPD.
*
For more information, visit copd.nhlbi.nih.gov.
January-February 2024 * Cooperative Living * 21
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES
http://copd.nhlbi.nih.gov http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living January/February 2024

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