Living Well with COPD in Northumberland County

Local & virtual supports for breathing easier, staying active, and avoiding flare-ups

Creating a COPD Action Plan

Vaccinations

Quitting Smoking or Vaping

Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Exercise

Advanced Care Planning (ACP)

Caregiver Support

Emergency Plan

If you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips or fingers, confusion, or your usual inhalers aren’t helping, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

What is COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it harder to breathe. It includes diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which damage the airways and air sacs in the lungs. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and increased mucus. COPD is most often caused by smoking, but long-term exposure to air pollution or workplace irritants can also contribute. While it cannot be cured, treatments such as medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and support are important for staying as healthy and active as possible.

COPD Self-Management & Education

Northumberland Family Health Team – COPD Program (Cobourg)

  • Group sessions on topics like medications, exercise, infection prevention, and nutrition. (open to all Northumberland residents)

Contact: 289-252-2139 | https://nfht.ca/copd/ 


My Lung Health Coach - Lung Health Foundation (Virtual)

  • Free one-on-one coaching with a Certified Respiratory Educator – 6 sessions over 12 weeks.
  • Learn about inhaler use, breathlessness management, goal setting, and more.

Call 1-888-344-LUNG or visit lunghealth.ca


Northumberland Paramedics’ Community Paramedicine Programs

  • Non-emergency in-home health care directly to residents in need. These preventative care programs support vulnerable community members and seniors in the community, including those living with COPD, while also helping to manage the high demand for emergency services, hospitals and clinics. Services include in-home visits and assessments, remote care monitoring (if appropriate), and 24/7 access to non-urgent health services. 
  • You can refer yourself or someone you care for (a family member, neighbour, friend, etc.) by calling client services at 1-833-718-1942 or by completing our online form: Refer yourself or a family member


Air Quality and COPD Management

Those living with COPD are considered to be an "At Risk" group when it comes to air pollution and poor air quality. There is specific guidance for people in an "At Risk" group, depending on what the AQHI is.

  • Monitor the Air Quality Health Index for your area regularly and estimate your personal risk
  • Know what to do when the AQHI is elevated and air quality is poor
  • AQHI 4-6: consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if you have symptoms like coughing or throat irritation
  • AQHI 7-10: reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities
  • AQHI 10+: avoid strenuous activities outdoors
  • Be prepared and take prevention measures such as wearing a respiratory-type mask in the event of wildfire smoke in the air and needing to go outdoors. Learn more at: Air Quality Ontario: AQHI categories and health messages
  • Sign up for weather alerts through the WeatherCAN app WeatherCAN - Canada.ca


Creating a COPD Action Plan

A COPD Action Plan is a written guide created with your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or respiratory educator. It outlines what to do when symptoms worsen and when to seek help.


  • List of your usual medications and how to take them
  • Steps to follow during flare-ups (using rescue inhalers, antibiotics/steroids if prescribed)
  • When to call your provider or go to the ER (or contact Community Paramedics if enrolled in program)
  • Emergency contact details


Keep a copy on your fridge and review it regularly with your care provider.

If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, the My Lung Health Coach virtual program can offer support in creating your own action plan. 

Vaccinations

Staying up to date with vaccines helps prevent flare-ups. Ask your provider about flu (annual), COVID-19, pneumococcal, and RSV vaccines.


If you are home-bound and unable to attend a pharmacy or your primary care office for vaccination, contact Northumberland Community Paramedics. 

Quitting Smoking or Vaping

STOP on the Net


Smoker’s Helpline


Smoke Free Curious


Quash App by Lung Health Foundation

  • A judgement-free app to help you quit smoking or vaping —the way you want!
    www.quashapp.com     


Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist can also prescribe quit medications.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Exercise

In Person Options:

  • Find Pulmonary Rehab options: http://www.canadianpulmonaryrehab.com 
  • Northumberland Family Health Team – Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (Cobourg) – available to rostered Northumberland Family Health Team patients via referral.


Virtual Option:

Advanced Care Planning (ACP)

Advanced Care Planning Ontario offers information on; 

  • ACP is conversations to help people and their substitute decision-maker (SDM) prepare for future healthcare decisions. 

Learn about: 

  • The ACP process 
  • Choosing and involving your SDM 
  • Ontario’s laws and Substitute Decision-Making 

Next Steps

  1. Talk to your family doctor or nurse practitioner about COPD action planning and other supports.
  2. Create or update your COPD Action Plan together.
  3. Book vaccines at your clinic, pharmacy, or public health.
  4. If you smoke, access free quit supports.
  5. Stay active through local or virtual programs.

Caregiver Support

The Ontario Caregiver Organization offers tools, supports, and a 24/7 hotline for caregivers. 

 Ontario Caregiver Organization or call 1-833-416-2273