Is Isolation Inevitable for People With COPD?
NO, a thousand times, NO! As patients we must realize that maintaining social contacts is a responsibility we have to our well-being and ourselves. We are the ones who must be aware of the importance of really living our lives, with all the quality that we can hold on to. We can, and should, commit ourselves to a better fate. By being realistic about our abilities (as well as our liabilities), we can add more style and grace to our lives and give ourselves plenty of reasons to get up and out each day. For a start, find ways to be with those individuals whose company you most enjoy! Create opportunities to see them for a lunch out, or invite them over for Scrabble® or Backgammon. Plan activities that will encourage you to gain exposure to the positive side of life. List them on your month-at-a-glance calendar, and allow yourself to anticipate the good times to come. Be sure that your days are filled with challenges (both physical and intellectual), and with activities and people that yo
