A recent study by British scientists have shown encouraging evidence that retinoic acid can slow the progression of emphysema and in some cases, even reverse damage caused by the disease. This acid is found in Vitamin A. Results from tests on mice have been very positive and the scientists how to begin human trials in the near future. This study is being conducted by doctors at King’s College in London where they have made great strides in revolutionizing treatment for COPD and other respiratory ailments.

Maintaining social contacts with family and friends is important for all aspects of life. Having a close friend to lean on during hard times or someone to share the fun times with is essential. It can ease the pain and amplify the good times but what about physical ailments? There have been several social science studies conducted that indeed confirm that there is a definite link between social relationships and health outcomes. In fact the American Journal of Managed Care has stated that socially isolated people have a 43% risk of illness reoccurrence, a 64% higher risk of contracting a serious illness, and an astounding 69% higher risk of all-cause mortality whether it be from heart attack, chronic illness, or any variety and combination of health issues.

Some 13 million people are being treated for COPD but it is estimated that as many as 13 million more may have COPD and not know it. Some patients in the early stages are being treated for a persistent cough which their physicians mistakenly think is asthma related. Adding further to the confusion as many as 40% of people that have COPD, also have asthma and asthma is considered a risk factor for developing COPD later in life. Though the two conditions are related it is important to know the difference between the two and which you have to recieve proper treatment.

After you’ve quit smoking you’ll likely be bothered by residual odors in your home and car that you may have never noticed when you were a smoker.

Lingering odors and chemical residue may be especially tough on those with allergies who have COPD or are on supplemental oxygen, such as a portable oxygen concentrator.  

Cigarette residue is referred to as third hand smoke and is hazardous to everyone who comes into contact with it, especially children.

Air purifiers can be helpful but cigarette smoke permeates every surface and can be a challenge to get out but over time, your house and auto will smell like new with these tips and tricks.

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions that people make is to quit smoking. If this is the year you’ve decided to become tobacco free, this is a game plan to help you quit, and remain cigarette and smoke free. This guide will help you understand the risks of smoking as well as the psychology behind both the habit and the addiction.

It will also give you actionable strategies to beat both the physical dependency and psychological hook. The second you put out your last cigarette the healing begins so let’s get started!

This post originally appeared on blog.COPDstore.com you can view the original article here.

Tax time is upon us again. It seems that tax burden is going up every year and refunds area getting smaller and smaller. But, according to the IRS, a large percentage of allowable deductions go unclaimed every year.

If you feel like a little light reading before bed time you can review the 2015 US tax code to make sure you’re getting everything you are entitled to.

It’s only 74,608 pages! IRS Section 502 which pertains to medical deductions is only 27 pages but we’ve hit some of the highlights here for you so you can ask your tax professional about them.

These numbers change over time but generally speaking you should be able to write off 20% of medical expenses over $2120 if your taxable income is $84,000 or less.

Some of you may remember Larry’s story from last Christmas.  This 911 dispatcher called for help and 1^st Class Medical answered.  Larry’s insurance company had given him a portable oxygen concentrator to use but then said they had sent it in error and demanded that he send it back. 

Without a portable unit to use, Larry would likely have had to quit his job and, as a single dad, wasn’t sure how he would support his son. 

In order for Larry to continue the important job he does, we provided him with a stationary, AirSep Visionaire to use while at work and a SeQual Eclipse to use when he was on the go.