Community Spotlight: Meet Carol!
This month, we are proud to introduce Carol!
Carol is a member of our Fitness Club and she adds a fun sense of humour and a positive outlook to our classes. We thought we would lean in for a closer look at what keeps Carol going, especially on those tough days.
Poplar: Carol, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Carol: I am a retired teacher. I specialized in supporting students with severe learning disabilities. After I retired from the Vancouver School Board I tutored from home until I was about 75. I recently celebrated my 81st birthday. My husband and I have raised two sons and a daughter. They are all married and we now have six wonderful grandchildren aged 14 to 21. In February all 14 family members travelled to Mexico for a week. It was fantastic!
We have a family cabin on Savary Island, up the coast. It has provided us with many projects and memories over the years. We get great pleasure sharing this space with my husband’s extended family and many, many friends.
Poplar: We understand that you’ve had issues with your health. Would you be willing to share your story about that as well?
Carol: Three summers ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer. My tumors have remained stable since a treatment of radiation. Two summers ago I had a stroke. I had fast and efficient medical support and I have no visible effects.
I was also diagnosed with COPD about eight years ago. That has changed my life completely. Initially I attended the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at VGH for education and exercise. I remember always being late due to parking and arriving for class completely tired and short of breath. Then Covid arrived and everything changed to Zoom. So comfortable to just walk upstairs and participate.
Poplar: How has living with COPD affected your lifestyle and quality of life?
Carol: I am not as independent as I was. I need to rely on friends and family to help with activities such as gardening, traveling, and of course being on Savary where living conditions are fairly rustic.
Poplar: Do you have any tricks or tips that you would share with others living with COPD or another chronic respiratory condition?
Carol: My biggest tip for anyone who is diagnosed with a lung condition is to join an appropriate exercise program. Not only do you absolutely need to learn how to breathe but it is invaluable to chat with others. I so enjoy my support group. I get invaluable information.
Poplar: Prioritizing good mental health is an important part of living with lung disease. What helps you to keep a positive mindset and outlook?
Carol: Everyday I attend my exercise class I leave feeling energized and cheerful. It is so important to keep moving.
Poplar: What advice would you offer those who have recently been diagnosed?
Carol: Get involved with others as quickly as you can!
We thank Carol for being so candid and for sharing her insights with us all. Group support really is a great way to find help and lift your spirits when managing a chronic lung condition. Staying active is a proven way to boost your mental health, especially when you’re living with COPD.
Here are a few resources for group support and exercise for those living with COPD and other chronic lung conditions.