Experts say that even people with COPD still need to keep moving. The balloon-like sacs in the lungs have lost their elasticity, leaving the patient wheezing, coughing and gasping for breath. So gardening or pushing a cart at the grocery store can be difficult. And though there is no cure for the disease, there are things such as inhaled medication that can make the patient more comfortable. There is one other thing that will ease the ongoing breathing problem, and that is exercise. Many patients feel that since it is difficult to breathe, being inactive is normal for them but this is not the case. There are activities such as walking, riding a stationary bike, swimming, or other forms of aerobic activity that let the patient be active without causing breathing problems.

This can improve quality of life because it strengthens the lungs and makes every day of life more enjoyable. The lungs need to exercise, so that they will fill with air properly and remain elastic. By getting in the habit of exercising, the patient can reduce any feeling of anxiety or fear that they may be feeling. This can help a person with COPD feel more independent, have an improved quality of life, and a better sense of well-being.

Walking is a great way to build endurance, and help body's ability to use oxygen without placing a great deal of pressure on the joints. Walking will also help to strengthen and recondition the muscles. The diaphragm, which is a muscle, needs to have a work out as well, and resistance training for the uppper body is a good way to do this. But walking is a good start. It might be a good idea to keep a walking journal to keep track of your progress. The goal you want to reach is 10,000 steps per day. A pedometer may be of aid here. Being consistent is most important. Try to add more steps each day. Adding some aerobic exercises at some point is a good way to strengthen the upper body and the diaphragm.

"Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times." ― Mark Twain

The other day, I was having an argument with an uncle of mine. Smoking cessation, according to him, was a piece of cake and could be done by anybody, anytime whenever they were willing to do it. The problem is, addiction ensures you are never willing to go ahead with quitting smoking unless of course, some miracle happens.

The trouble is that most smokers don't realize that they are addicted until they make at least one serious attempt to quit smoking. That's when they realize that it's probably out of their hands now. No worries. Quitting smoking is a do-able job and you or anybody for that matter, with a bit of determination and willingness can achieve it.

1) Realize that smoking is detrimental to health and lowers life expectancy. It can lead to a variety of health problems that you never anticipated. And yes, not everybody gets lung cancer due to smoking but remember that you could be the one.

2) Smoking is no longer considered socially acceptable. It can lead to loss of friendships and relationships.

3) It can make you feel under confident and damage your self-esteem. Something that you started to give a boost to your assertiveness can actually put you into reverse gear.

4) Yes I know that you think it lowers your stress levels. But there are far better ways to lower stress than smoking. Imagine the stress levels you'll face when you hear that you've got a life-threatening heart or lung condition. Try exercising for a change. You'll feel the difference.