It's that dreaded time of year again: flu season. For seniors, avoiding the flu is especially important, as complications can be more serious. But what happens when prevention isn’t enough — when a grandchild visits while contagious, or a friend at your weekly card game comes down with symptoms the next day? Don’t panic. There are proven strategies you or your loved one can implement immediately after exposure to lower your chances of getting sick.

You've spent much of the year practicing healthy habits: eating well, staying active, and sticking to a consistent sleep routine. However, the holidays are fast approaching and you're looking forward to family gatherings, delicious meals, holiday movies and other fun activities. You're ready to alter your schedule and indulge in what the season has to offer. Yet, this can lead to poor food choices, worsening health issues, elevated stress levels, or feelings of loneliness.

COPD patients note fatigue as the second most common symptom they are affected by, according to the American Lung Association. Fatigue is not simply "a tired feeling," but a lack of energy that can make completing activities of daily living such as personal grooming, cooking, and doing chores, difficult. COPD fatigue can impact mental well-being and contribute to depression, negatively impact one's ability to socialize, and even restrict mobility.