Sharing the Health Jeri from Minnesota writes, “Many former smokers who develop COPD can fall into the trap of depression and self-blame. Rather than wallow in this kind of attitude, I realized that the best medicine for me is being with others. I have lunch with friends and visit people in a nursing…
Ask Mark EFFORTS members who are con- sidering having a lung transplant ask Mark to define ‘lung allocation score’. Mark replies, Every lung transplant candidate, age 12 and older, receives an individualized lung allocation score. This score is an important factor in determining priority for receiving a lung transplant when a donor lung…
Sharing the Health I finally swallowed my pride and purchased a Scooter. It has been a great help in keeping me on the go. I am 78 and was having a great deal of trouble walking. When I couldn’t finish touring an art show, one of my friends suggested I look into getting one. I…
Sharing the Health Carol Appleby of Indiana asked for help in our last issue finding a hair permanent that is safe for her. Don- na Wanninger of Carroll, Iowa recommends Lilt foam perms, they have different types, she gets the one for color-treated hair. “I have used them for years and they have no smell.”…
Sharing the Health Holly from Florida read that researchers at Harvard University’s School of Public Health have found that optimism cuts the chances of developing heart disease and lowers the rate of lung decline as we age. For a daily dose of optimism, join the Good News Network for positive news stories from…
Sharing the Health I was diagnosed with COPD two years ago and have had problems carrying my shopping bags at my side. I recently put my cloth shopping bag over my shoulder instead of down at my side. This works much better for me and I do not get so short of breath. Carmen Parent,…
Sharing the Health Ruth McClellan of Manchester, NH, was standing at a grocery counter when a young girl kept star- ing at her oxygen cannula. She finally turned to her Mom and very seriously asked, “Mom, is that lady a cat?” When she stopped laughing, Ruth explained to the little girl what oxygen…
Sharing the Health I met a man with COPD who found that he had a terrible time walking. He got an idea while grocery shopping. He didn’t feel so short of breath when he leaned on the shopping cart and walked. There was something about the angle that relieved some of the pressure. He modified…
Nutritional Education for Pulmonary Patients This article was prepared by Sue Lutz MS, RD, LD/N, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, Ormond Beach, FL. Good nutrition is important to keep you healthy. A well-balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs for energy, maintaining body cells and regulating body processes. It may be helpful to…
Sharing the Health I appreciate Claire Fill’s tip in the last issue for us women to wear Junior pants to help conceal a tummy. Unfortunately, not all of us seniors can wear Junior slack styles. I wear a petite size in slacks but buy an average size so I can pull the waist up. This…