Activity Feed

Living with bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease doesn't mean putting fun on hold. Indoor activities can help support physical, mental, and emotional well-being while providing opportunities for relaxation and connection. We are reminded throughout National Therapeutic Recreation Week that staying active indoors can help support strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.

🏡 Indoor Activity Ideas:

✅ Chair yoga or gentle stretching

✅ Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises

✅ Arts and crafts, painting, or coloring

✅ Reading or joining a virtual book club

✅ Puzzles, crosswords, and brain games

✅ Indoor gardening with houseplants or herbs

✅ Cooking or trying a new healthy recipe

✅ Music, dancing, or learning an instrument

✅ Take short walking breaks around your home throughout the day

✅ Stretch gently in the morning or before bed

✅ Try chair exercises or low-impact fitness routines

✅ Use household chores as opportunities to stay active

✅ Set small, realistic movement goals each day

✅ Stay connected through virtual classes or support groups

✅ Listen to your body and pace yourself as needed

Every movement matters. Even a few minutes of activity can make a positive difference in your day.✨ Celebrate what your body can do.  Every activity is a chance to connect, move, create, and recharge. Staying active indoors helps me maintain both my physical and emotional health. It's one of the ways I take care of myself while living with BNTM lung disease. 💙 Which of the above indoor activities brings you joy?

A new week, a new beginning. We have a lot to be grateful for after listening to all of the activities conducted over the past week for World Bronchiectasis Day!  Increased public awareness, research is definitely something to get excited about.

Doing airway clearance can get old at times for many people; I am committed to do airway clearance regularly this week, especially through the summer months of increased humidity. 
The Acceptance and Commitment Theory in psychology reminds us that we must accept where we are and commit ourselves to practices that enable us to keep moving forward. 
I hope that you have a good week ahead!😍

National Therapeutic Recreation Week in 2026 is observed from July 5th to July 11th. National Therapeutic Recreation Week has been celebrated annually since its establishment in 1984 by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. The week is dedicated to raising awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and services, which aim to improve the health and well-being of individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Diversional recreation activities assist us to go forward and to make the best of every day. We encourage our bronchiectasis and NTM community to share recreational activities that help you feel your best. Please comment below.

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Happy July 4th to all of our members. We hope that you are having a good day! 

Pam,

You are most welcome! I am so glad to see you back on the site. I hope you have a good 4th of July weekend! 😍

Thank you, Katie, for informing us, for guiding us, and for reminding us to take care of ourselves and our health.

Looking forward to attending the coffee break next Wednesday. I hope that you are able to join us. 

🌞 July has arrived, kicking off with a very active World Bronchiectasis Day yesterday. As the summer heat rises, so does our commitment to caring for ourselves and one another in the Bronchiectasis and NTM community. For those living with Bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease, rising temperatures can bring extra challenges.

🌞 July Heat & Lung Health Reminders:

💧 Hydrate often, even before you feel thirsty. Staying well hydrated helps thin mucus.

🌤️ Protect your lungs from heat, humidity, and poor air quality.

✔️Avoid outdoor exertion during peak heat (10 am–4 pm). Avoid hot, humid air.

✔️ Check local air quality before going outside; check the dew point numbers.

✔️ Use air conditioning or cooling centers when possible

🌬️ 🩺 Stay consistent with care routines- keep up with airway clearance.💙 Permit yourself to rest as needed

Small daily choices can help protect your lungs during the summer heat. If symptoms increase—more coughing, fatigue, or breathlessness—reach out to your healthcare provider early. Throughout the month, the BNTM Activity Feed will focus on therapeutic recreation ideas, clinical research, and a review of summer weather conditions. Stay cool and stay kind to your body this July. 💙 Here’s to a July filled with strength, gentleness, and resilience.

Das23,

Thank you for your comments. The BNTM community is certainly making huge gains and will continue to do so, going forward.:)

Alyssa and Katie---Great posts--Thanks---We have to do the best we can!!!!👍

And we ARE making progress

SteveM,

You are most welcome! You are not alone on the journey; many of  us have been in the same situation. We are here for you as needed. Have a pleasant holiday weekend. Katie 

Thanks for the response. 

Have a Great Holiday Weekend.

This is going to be a great event in honor of World Bronchiectasis Day!

I can truly understand why some individuals do not want to celebrate this day. It is not uplifting to deal with any medical chronic condition.  However, we must look at the bright side of this day- our voices are being heard, increasing awareness is happening, and more research and treatments will be due to the result of this global day.

SteveM,

Hello! I am sorry to read about your current challenges.  I feel your frustration with repeat infections and the exhaustion one experiences.  Unfortunately, I cannot recommend a perfect place to live.  I looked into this for myself years ago.  It seems that there is a different type of NTM in the various regions of the USA.  No place is absolutely safe since NTMs are basically everywhere: some places have a higher concentration of NTM than others. Years ago, the Colorado area was a safer place, but shrubbery products from the East Coast changed that.  

We understand what it is like to feel depressed and frustrated. However, moving to a new place, giving up your local familiarity and support, can also add a layer of stress to your current stressors. In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone at (833) 411-5864. Our ambassadors are real live patients with experiences similar to yours and understand your concerns. You can also email us at contactus@bronchandntm.org to get more information on any specific questions you may have. Our ambassadors can’t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional resources.  Hold onto HOPE. 

Hello! As the outdoor temperature rises, so does the chances of getting a heat related illness. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and what to do can protect you and those around you is of utmost importance.The blog article below reviews heat exhaustion, heat stroke and treatments. Please let us know if you have any questions. Keep cool 😎. https://social.bronchandntm.org/articles/blog/Heat-Stroke-and-the-NTM-Bronchiectasis-Patient

Hi Everyone, 

Just wondering if there is a better climate to live in for people with bronchiectasis. I was diagnosed with it 20 years ago. Since then I have gotten Mac and Abscesses. I am clear of the Abscesses but might have Mac again. I grew up in Louisiana but moved to Western Washington 20 years ago. I cough all the time. I can't seem to stop it these days. It is wearing me out. I am exhausted and getting depressed. 

I'm wondering if a change of climate would do me some good. I never liked the weather here. I wonder if New Mexico would be better for me. 

I like to be active and outdoors. I have horses and dogs. I like to bike and hike. 

Any thoughts out there? 

Tomorrow, July 1st, we celebrate World Bronchiectasis Day. As I reflect on this special day, I can't help but think about how much has changed over the last 10 years. A decade ago, hardly anyone had even heard the word bronchiectasis. Many of us felt alone, misunderstood, and searched endlessly for answers. Today, because of patients, caregivers, researchers, physicians, and advocates around the world, there is real momentum—and real hope.

I had the privilege of attending the recent World Bronchiectasis Conference in Germany virtually. Listening to the brilliant presentations from experts across the globe reminded me that we are living in an exciting time. The passion, collaboration, and dedication to improving our lives were inspiring.

This year marks the 5th World Bronchiectasis Day, and more than 30 organizations around the world are coming together to raise awareness and give a stronger voice to our community.

Just think about how far we've come. 

We have increased awareness around the world. We have a growing network of specialized Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Centers throughout the United States. We now have Brinsupri, the first medication developed specifically for bronchiectasis. And for the first time, we're even seeing television commercials on bronchiectasis, featuring Ty Pennington reminding people that our lungs are the foundation of our health—just as the foundation is to a home.

I hope you are feeling well today. If not, I want you to hold on to Hope, realizing that more research is underway and many new treatments are around the corner. I made it through some of my most difficult respiratory challenges. Believe that better days are possible. You are stronger than you think, and you are not walking this journey alone.

Research is moving forward. New treatments are on the horizon. Together, we are building a future where bronchiectasis is recognized earlier, treated better, and one day, perhaps even prevented. I hope you'll be able to join one or more of the World Bronchiectasis Day events tomorrow as we continue to raise awareness, support one another, and look toward an even brighter future. https://social.bronchandntm.org/events
Happy World Bronchiectasis Day Eve! :) 

Lots of AC this week for me!!!

Hello! Good news:  Outdoor pools are now being considered being low risk for NTM due to the air quickly dissipating any NTM. Cooling off in an outdoor pool for individuals who enjoy outdoor pools is an option that should not produce high anxiety; we cannot live our lives in a bubble. I still would not stay outdoors for too long on severely humid days. Preventative measures for outdoor pool activities, to be on the super safe side include the latest recommendations by Dr. Joe Falkinham:  doing a nebulizer session of 7% saline before and when you get home followed by a saline nasal rinse. 

Hello everyone!

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, July 8, 2026 @ 2:30pm EDT.

Joining us this month is Dr. George M. Solomon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, UAB Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine following up from his World Bronchiectasis Day (WBD) presentation “From Flare-Ups to Daily Life: Bronchiectasis Symptom Management.”

Dr. Solomon and his team will answer questions from the WBD presentation.

We will open the call fifteen minutes early, so please join us if you wish to speak casually with us or other community members. Any health-related discussion will be held until the start of the meeting.

The meeting registration link is here: BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break Registration

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Das 23,

I was going to be greedy as well but o followed Brandon’s rule of selecting one only, lol. I hope you have a happy Sunday! Katie 

Tim,

Laughter is certainly the best medicine of all! I am sending you a virtual apple 🍎 pie 🥧. Katie 

I'm greedy. I'll take them all--Especially the Nap😀✌️

Great post Brandon!

Can’t go wrong with any of these choices, but I’ll say more laughter. It’s joyful to hear people laughing. I also like pie. I know you’re talking about the mathematic pi, but it got me thinking about pie and now I’d like some! 

Brandon,

Thank you for the interesting post! Happy Tau Day back to you! Honestly, if I had one wish it would be for more consistent energy levels. Wishing you and all members a good Sunday! 😍

Dawn Ellen,

You will somehow work it out tomorrow…I am so sorry that you are dealing with another infection and back on antibiotics. It is very frustrating and challenging to deal with another infection. Are you taking probiotics? Do you have access to a registered dietitian? 

You are most welcome! I cannot honestly answer your question- the filters are supposed to clear out unwanted bacteria, mycobacteria - regular maintenance of the filter must be done. The only way that you absolutely know if there is mycobacteria in the line is to get a lab tests. There will be greater access to home testing of mycobacteria in water lines in the future- research is being conducted.
 Time needed to boil water has been decreased to 3 minutes after the water starts to boil. I use this method on a daily basis; I no longer purchase bottled water. 

Thank you!   I'm wondering if using a filtering system like  Apec, or the ones the hospitals use like Aqua Medix,etc.. do I still need to use distilled water for cleaning sinus rinse bottles and nebulizer parts?  

Filters work on both water temperatures, not just cold water. Below is another link to top rated filtration systems: https://www.consumervoice.org/top-home-water-filtration-systems?gclid=&kw=home+water+filtration&cpn=606222947&adgroup=1344705289441821&loc_physical=58449&loc_interest=&matchtype=p&network=o&device=m&creative=&placement=&target=&adpos=&utm_source=bing&b_ref=41187c0906e91f8ef05616492745aa2b&msclkid=41187c0906e91f8ef05616492745aa2b&anura=0

Wishing you the best with your search.

Thanks so much!    Is there no similar reference for a purifier under the sink that would take care of the cold water too?

After my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, it felt like our world was falling apart. With the guidance and care of Dr. Kokobi, we began to find hope again. My wife followed the treatment plan he provided, and over time her health has greatly improved. We are truly grateful to God for using him in her healing journey. I sincerely recommend kokobiherbalremedycentre@ gmail .com for his support, care, and dedication.

Hello! Below is a link to top under the sink water heaters; I am not allowed to endorse any particular company. A temperature of 140 will help eradicate mycobacteria but it maybe too hot for sensitive individuals such as small children or some of the elderly with very thin skin. ​https://plumbinglab.com/best-under-sink-hot-water-heaters-reviewed

https://acceleratenetzero.com/water-heater-140-degrees-safety-efficiency-practices/

I have just purchased  Aqua Medix for my shower and kitchen sink, but want to cut off the pseudomonas at my bathroom sink also.   My bathroom faucet doesn't have removable hardware.   I need an under the sink unit to filter out or heat the water to over 140 degrees.  Any suggestions?

 Doctors are watching, monitoring patients for a period of time to observe their symptoms, checking any changes on cat scan, seeing if airway clearance is effective before prescribing multiple antibiotics. I don’t have any exact numbers on how many do not get placed on medications, but more monitoring is being done now than in the past. Ongoing research on this subject is being conducted. 

Thank. I found them to read. Is it possible to assume that most people here eventually need medication for MAC?

Gale,

Hello! It is best practice to start one pill at a time to note any side effects. I recently posted information on these drugs ; if you scroll through the activity feed over the past few weeks you’ll find them. I hope that things go smoothly for you. Let me know if you have any specific questions. 

Pharmacies are known for giving long patient instructions with each prescription that you purchase.  Some healthcare professionals take the time to review potential adverse effects when prescribing medications; others do not. Many individuals can tolerate antibiotics, while others cannot. Drug tolerability is based on many factors- your healthcare provider must be informed of all current drugs and supplements that you are taking. Below is a basic review of things to be mindful of while taking Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin.

• Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin can cause inflammation of tendons. If you experience “joint pain” while taking these medications, it is probably a sign of tendon inflammation, and the antibiotic should be stopped.

• These drugs can also cause abnormalities in the heart conduction system, known as the prolonged QT interval. It is a good practice to have a baseline EKG in your medical files so you can use it for a comparison if you should experience any issues.

• These drugs have a “caffeine effect” and can interfere with sleep. Reducing or eliminating caffeine while taking this drug will result in better sleep.

• Do not take within 2 hours of dairy, antacids, or vitamin and calcium supplements.

Have you had a negative side effect with these drugs that you would like to share with the community? 

Because of how sick I got , my scan and results of bronchoscopy he is starting me on the 3 medications, one very few weeks. I started the first one last week. 

GaleC,

You are most welcome. I assume that your Pulmonologist is watching/ monitoring and waiting before prescribing multiple antibiotics since you mentioned that you have difficulty with these drugs. Do you have any specific question about a particular drug? We are here to support you. 

Brandon,

Great post!!! Happy Friday back to you! I love the glasses 👓 on Jasmine, the name tag, her things to do list, lol. Thank you for the morning chuckle- laughter is the best medicine of all! Enjoy your day! 😊