http://www.startrek.com/article/nimoy-logically-using-copd-diagnosis-to-help-others Leonard Nimoy, Star Treks iconic Spock, has gone public with the fact that hes been diagnosed with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is defined a group of lung diseases among them chronic bronchitis and emphysema -- that block airflow and breathing difficult. Nimoy acknowledged the illness after photos of him at an airport in a wheelchair and using an oxygen cylinder, were published and, quite logically, caused great concern among fans. The actor, who will turn 83 next month, took to Twitter to explain the situation and in several subsequent tweets has implored his followers/fans who do smoke to quit. Among his recent tweets: There is no cure for COPD, but once diagnosed it can be treated so as to manage the symptoms and slow its progress. And clearly, Nimoy is not letting it get the better of him. He also tweeted the following on February 6: