Several months ago when I had confirmed my travel plans to France and the United Kingdom I received a message along the lines of “come and sing with the Wigan Warblers”. My first thought was who are the Wigan Warblers and what do they do? Answer- they are a patient singing group. After several conversations … Continued
It’s been just over three weeks since I cycled with other COPD patients in Hyères in the south of France to raise awareness for this horrid disease. It was wonderful to see such inspiring individuals such as Daniel Cloix who completed the event whilst using his portable oxygen device. Daniel is a great example of … Continued
Imagine a world where people with respiratory disease were active and were able to redefine how lung disease is treated. That world may have been unthought of in years gone past but there is a ground swell of patients fighting the norm so they can have a better quality of life. At the time of … Continued
I am not a physician. Not even close. What I am is a former lung disease patient. I can say “former”, because on December 12, 2011, I was blessed with the miracle of a double lung transplant. At age 71, I received the lungs of a 32-year-old marathon runner! I was incredibly lucky to receive … Continued
After 16 weeks of a new nutrition plan for me the results are compelling. Whether this way of eating is for everyone is a personalized choice. However, the results of eating quality foods, pairing foods groups, portion control and eliminating processed food cannot be denied. So what did I learn? Nutrition Plan The Nutrition … Continued
The Gold Coast marathon has come and gone for another year but the significance will last for many years for me. My first sub six-hour marathon, something I never thought possible when I was first diagnosed with COPD. Sub six hours to the average marathoner is nothing to become too excited about but … Continued
In just under two weeks I’ll line up for another endurance race and my second marathon in 8 months, something that I thought five years ago would not be possible. What is even more satisfying is that I’ll be running with my daughter. I’ve been lucky enough in the last five years to be joined … Continued
Half way through this nutrition experiment and I can’t help but think that respiratory patients in general could benefit greatly from the path I’m taking. With so much focus on medication, patient access to programs, the latest advances in medicine, have we forgotten that our bodies have a unique ability to adapt if we … Continued
I read many articles about Nutrition for COPD patients and while I find some have some good basic information others seem to be a little loose with the truth. I haven’t seen too many articles by patients which prompted me to share my nutrition plan, what has worked and what has not. I’m … Continued
With only eight weeks until my first race of the year it seemed timely that I talked about this year ahead and the plans of building COPD Athlete into a comprehensive respiratory website with a emphasis on lifestyle choices. Racing. My first race of the year will be a ½ marathon Twilight run on 20th … Continued
I was recently asked if I would be interested in speaking to 500 staff from a pharmaceutical company about attitude, drive and going that extra mile. Can we apply the same to patients to achieve better health outcomes? We can talk about the ingredients needed to perform in our workplace or to achieve a better … Continued