September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about a group of lung diseases that can make breathing increasingly difficult—and to understand why recognizing symptoms early matters.

Learning to recognize your personal lung triggers can help you to reduce your exposure and reduce lung flare ups. By identifying your triggers and reducing your exposure when possible, you're taking an active role in protecting your lungs. You're also creating more opportunities to stay active, sleep well, participate in the things you enjoy, and maintain your independence.

This month, we sat down with Nathan Nakamura, video editor for Poplar Pulmonary Wellness. Nathan has worked with us for a couple of years now and we are proud to introduce our community to the person behind our videos. 

If you live with a chronic lung condition, you may have heard your healthcare provider mention bronchiectasis or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These two conditions are often linked, and understanding them can help you better manage your lung health.

We're excited to bring back our annual Let’s Move Challenge, inspired by the Let's Move Canada Challenge. This fun, supportive, 7-day challenge is designed to encourage everyone to move more in creative and achievable ways.

This month, we are very happy to introduce Shadae. Shadae is a Registered Respiratory Therapist and a Certified Respiratory Educator whom we met virtually not long after the pandemic. Only recently did Tina end up meeting Shadae in person, which she felt was a real treat! This was the motivation to introduce Shadae to our community in our Community Spotlight.

If you live with a chronic lung condition, breathing can shape your entire day. If breathing feels hard, it doesn’t mean you’re weak or doing something wrong. In Pulmonary Rehabilitation, you can learn practical skills to use in daily life. World Breathing Day reminds us that breathing supports far more than oxygen exchange. It supports movement, independence, confidence, and connection.

In Pulmonary Rehabilitation, fitness is about supporting your mind, body, and soul — in ways that feel safe, realistic, and meaningful. Learn to move with confidence, reduce fear and anxiety, and connect with what matters. Find fitness that fits with your life and your lungs!

Jennie is one of the most active members in the Poplar Community! She speaks up for those living with chronic lung conditions (like Pulmonary Hypertension and Pulmonary Fibrosis) as a patient advocate and as one who shares knowledge and resources. Jeannie gets involved in research studies and she helps healthcare workers, like in-training physicians (residents), to learn how to interact with their patients. We are always impressed with how much Jeannie gets up to, especially while living with a breathing condition. This month, we’re getting to know Jeannie Tom a little bit better.

Breathing is deeply connected to both the body and the mind. When breathing feels rushed or uncomfortable, the body can interpret this as stress — even when you’re safe.

The good news is that breathing can also be used as a tool to bring calm, confidence, and a sense of control.

Practice these simple breathing techniques to help calm the body, mind and soul!

Depression is common among people living with chronic lung conditions (such as COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis, or Asthma), yet it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. This blog explores why mental health matters, how depression can show up, and where to find support—for yourself or someone you care for.

Mary is an active member of our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Fitness Club. She brings humour and a Caribbean vibe to each and every class! Enjoy this article and get to know Mary a little better as she shares her experiences and breathing strategies that have worked for her.

For people living with chronic lung conditions, the holiday time of year can feel especially overwhelming.

This year, consider giving yourself permission to focus on what matters most: your health, your energy, and your peace of mind. Here are gentle, practical ways to support your well-being and navigate the season with more calm and confidence.

Indoor air quality can quietly shape how we feel day to day — influencing our sleep, energy, and lung comfort.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, getting curious about what’s in your air is a great place to start.

Living with a lung condition can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Occupational therapists are experts at helping you make daily life easier, safer, and

more enjoyable. By combining OT strategies with respiratory therapy, you can save

your energy, protect your lungs, and keep doing the things you love.

Let us introduce you to Kate. A Registered Respiratory Therapist with acute and primary care experience. She is a reader, a runner, and a fitness instructor at Poplar Pulmonary Wellness. Kate is an inspiration and sets a fabulous example of living a fit and full lifestyle. Let’s get to know her a little bit better.

This month we’re spotlighting Allan—lover of trucks and aircraft, river explorer, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. Allan shows us that living with a lung condition like COPD doesn’t mean giving up your passions… sometimes, it just means parking a little closer to the river. 🚛 🌊

At Poplar, we’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to get the right care, especially when you’re managing a lung condition like COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, or Asthma. But we’ve also seen how a little preparation can make a huge difference.

We share our insider tips to help make your medical appointments go more smoothly.

Managing your lung health comes with plenty of “must-dos”—medications, exercise, doctor’s visits, and inhaler checks. But here’s the thing: you aren’t just your lungs. You’re a whole person, and self-care should be an integral part of your plan.

Whether you're living with COPD, Asthma, Pulmonary Fibrosis or other chronic lung condition, looking after yourself is an important part of looking after your breathing.

This June, we’ve decided to shine our Community Spotlight on Kathy! Kathy brings a wonderful sense of humour and upbeat energy to our exercise classes and to the Poplar community. Kathy has strong family support and a zest for life that keeps her active and outgoing, despite living with COPD. Kathy has faced some hurdles but as you’ll see, she finds ways to push forward and offers some valuable advice for others living with a chronic lung condition. Here is Kathy’s story.