Walking with COPD, come walk along with me part 1 July 21, 2012 HD

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. I have severe COPD with an FEV1 that fluctuates between 22% and 28%. I was formally diagnosed in 2000 and in 2008 I was offered and began Pulmonary Rehab and learned proper breathing. I learned that breathing hard and becoming breathless would not kill me, but it was good for me, so I began walking and taking pictures along the way. This is the first video I have done where you can hear my breathing as I walk along. It may sounds ruff, but I had already walked 1/2 mile before I began recording, it was a hot day and the recorder is too close to my face so I sound louder than in reality. I work really hard at walking and it pays off in that it makes my daily quality of life so much better, and it makes me so happy to be outside in nature. I walk at a regular pace and control my breathing as I walk. Everyone is different in exercise ability and its important that you walk at your own pace. Another walk, and my breathing is much better, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-xJMDhlJ7U You may visit my nature pictures here if you like http://hollynd.typepad.com/blog/ You are always welcome to come and walk along with me....at your own pace, or just come along and enjoy the pictures...