I have found that taking a bath ranked right up there with climbing stairs in the exertion and shortness of breath category. I have made it a little easier by using a shower bench, but putting it outside the tub along with a tray table, on which I place my clothes, towels, bottle of water and inhalers. After soaping all over, I relax a few minutes in the tub, which rinses me. When I get out, I sit on the bench wrapped in two large towels, or a lightweight terrycloth robe and play a hand-held video game or read. After ten minutes, I’m rested and dry, then, I get dressed, a little at a time. It try to take my bath about half an hour after my inhaler and several hours before going out.

Bathing has become easier for me. I no longer dread it. Hope this helps others!

Eleanor Hecht, Laguna Woods, CA

Billie Purcel of Memphis, TN wanted to share a few of the things she does to make life easier: “When I take my shower I use my back brush to wash my feet and legs. That way I don’t have to bend over very far, thus easier on my breathing. I chew a stick of gum when I am doing my exercises. This keeps my mouth from getting so dry. My email is Perky0824@ aol.com if anyone wants a penpal to share the same medical problems and concerns.”

To help save energy after a bath or shower, you may get a full length, terrycloth bathrobe for just $20.00 from Blair. (For $4.00 extra, they will monogram it for you.) Call 1-800-821-5744 or go to www.Blair.com. I got one and I just love it.

Dorothy Thomas, Arizona

I have a tip for after the shower to dry those hard to reach places where a terry cloth robe won’t help. To dry your feet and all those little crevices, without bending over, use a hair dryer. You can use it standing or sitting to easily dry yourself without using too much energy!

Pat Cochran - River Edge, NJ