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General Fitness

The fitter you are in general, the better you will feel.

If you are overweight, shedding those extra pounds can help your breathing enormously. Being fat makes everything harder work, including breathing. Your doctor or practice nurse will be able to tell you the best way to achieve your ideal weight, or local slimming clubs can be a real boost. Getting fit need not be expensive, a short walk every day is good for you. Make an effort to walk places, not hop on the bus or in the car. Although you will get breathless when you exercise it is not dangerous - patients with COPD cannot 'overdo' it. It is not harming your lungs in any way.

Holidays

You can still travel on holiday even with COPD. Discuss your needs with your doctor and with the travel agent. For example, your doctor may be able to help arrange for oxygen or other medication if necessary to cover you while you are away. Many airlines are more than willing to provide assistance for patients with breathing problems such as COPD.

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