Here is my own tip on how I cope with COPD in my car. Resting your elbows on a table or desk can help with breathing. However, in your car driver seat, the arm rests may not match your body size. On my driver’s door arm rest, I had an furniture upholsterer customize a small foam bolster, so that my arm rest will point my forearm directly to the 8 o’clock position on my steering wheel. It is Velcro’ed into place.

The right arm rest for the drivers seat was not so easy. It was one of those narrow types that can be raised up or down. Unfortunately, we could not get a bolster to stay attached. The answer was at my car dealer. Their auto shop unwelded the arm rest and welded it back to a more comfortable location. The welding cost $80 but was worth every penny. Now, both my elbows rest comfortably and I have full and safe control of the steering wheel.

Paul Ferris, Menominee, MI

It’s that time of year again - summer travel. In spite of gas prices, I’m sure many of us will be hitting the road this year. I find taking my own pillow with me on trips helps me to sleep better at night. If traveling by car, this is easy to do. I also use a laundry basket to pack a lot of things that I’ll need easy access to while on the road.

Caro Hull, West Palm Beach, FL