COPD
Elizabeth provides support, insight and guidance for caregivers.
-
Sep 05 2012
Old Habits Die Hard
I was really hoping to break some good news to you with a ticker that read: “My father has made it to a week without smoking!” Instead, I can report that he stopped for six straight days. On the seventh, he relapsed. It’s not easy for him. I...
-
Aug 31 2012
Dedicated to Caretakers: "Take Care of Me Day"
As the long holiday weekend approaches – and my birthday – it is important for me to slow down and do something fun for myself. This past summer I made a point of taking quick take-care-of-me days on sporadic summer Saturdays. Going to differ...
-
Aug 29 2012
Getting Dad to the Doctor
My father hates going to the doctor. I use creative ways to get him to commit. I made a deal with him to treat him to strawberry ice cream, I offer to buy him extra bananas, and my favorite, I dangle a carrot by reminding him that his doctor giv...
-
Aug 24 2012
Getting Around with COPD
Running errands was becoming a taxing task for my father. He couldn’t walk and his cane proved insufficient. He felt pressured to keep up and while we slowed down, we worried he might collapse or worse, have an out-of-breath attack. My dad ...
-
Aug 23 2012
I Turn the Light On, He Turns it Off: How I Get Dad to Exercise
The other day, installers came to replace the kitchen cooktop. I noticed my father had the men “in the dark.” I immediately turned on the lights so the men “could see better.” My father took his walker and proceeded to turn off all the lights ...
-
Aug 17 2012
Dad's Big Announcement: I'm Quitting Smoking
“This is it, Lizunga,"Dad declared."I’m quitting smoking.” “Right, dad” crawled silently across my forehead. “Please, don’t quit now. I need to write this blog,” I jested. Smiling childishly, he added, “I’ll stop as soon as I’m done with my in...
-
Aug 16 2012
Dad the Dialer
When my father retired, his hobby became to call free health lines. Soon after I moved in, his early morning calls awoke me. I chuckled as I heard him explain his issue in his Argentine-Italian accent. But as his question was lost in transla...
-
Aug 10 2012
Dad's Walker: A Daily Obstacle
When dad realized some years ago that he needed something to help him walk, he got what most seniors need: a cane. In time, that proved not to be enough. After some hearty encouragement, my mother suggested the inevitable: a walker. My fathe...
-
Aug 08 2012
When COPD Comes Before Dad: The Challenge of Getting Around
I so wanted my dad to go with mom and I the other day to the soccer match at Yankee Stadium. “Dad, I’m buying a ticket for you to two matches – you can’t miss it – especially AC Milan vs. Real Madrid.” I figured this last part might get him sin...
-
Aug 03 2012
A Sunday Breakfast Treat
My mother usually makes Sunday breakfast. But during the recent holiday, we decided to eat out. We're a small family — it’s the 3 of us and dad’s cane (that’s another blog). The older I get, the older I see my father become. He shrivels befor...
About the Author
Most Popular COPD Stories
-
1 -
2 -
3 -
4
