Sharing the Health - March 2013

Sharing the Health

I have noticed that every time someone gets to coughing they are always offered a drink of water. I have no idea why they think that is helpful, because it is not! A relative of mine had an asthma attack and a friend gave him a drink of water. Trying to drink it while having the asthma attack caused him to aspirate the water!

Lorraine Oleaga, Boise, ID

People with chronic lung disease may need up to ten times more calories for breathing that the person without COPD. For those trying to maintain their weight, the Cleveland Clinic has an excellent article on Nutrition for People with COPD on the Internet at http://tinyurl.com/my4hkq.

I read an article in an older Prevention magazine (November 2011) that listed 50 ways to lose ten pounds and I am happy to report they helped me achieve the goal! I am breathing easier being ten pounds lighter and more active. You can see the 50 ways on the Internet at this link: http://tinyurl.com/brvcno7.

Among the tips were:

1. Water Research shows that dieters who guzzle plenty of H2O lose more weight than those who don’t.

2. Halve at Divide your normal portion by two and save the rest for later.
3. Not so Everyone knows sugar isn’t healthy, but when you start reading labels, you find it in unexpected places.

4. Cut the The short-term elimination of floury foods like white bread and pastries can efficiently kick-start your weight loss plan.
5. Short walking breaks, even two minutes, add up to weight
6. Find a You are more likely to stick to your goal if someone is rooting for you.
7. Veg Fill two-thirds of your plate with vegetables, which have less calories and are more nutritious than any other type of food.

Mary Joe Trexler of Albuquerque, NM, wanted to let other oxygen users know about Ocean Gel, a nasal moisturizer gel she has used with her CPAP and oxygen therapy. It is has really helped her nasal discomfort. The product is available online at www.Amazon.com for $7.19 which includes shipping. Mary Joe asks if anyone has found an effective mouth moisturizer. The ones suggested by her dentist haven’t been very helpful!

It was a shock when I was diagnosed with COPD! My tip is to have faith and know people are all around to support you. I am now in pulmonary rehab and they have worked wonders with me on my breathing and letting me know there is life with COPD. I no longer feel sorry for myself.

Elaine Morris, Oakwood Village, IL

There is reason to Have Faith! Indacterol has been found safe and effective to significantly improve long acting bronchodilation and health status in people with COPD. People with severe asthma may be helped by a new drug mepolizumab. America’s biopharmaceutical research companies are working on 54 medicines to treat COPD. Stem cell therapy is being investigated that may lead to lung tissue repair through release of tissue specific growth factors. A medicine in development for COPD targets the disease-causing inflammation. Several medicines in development are fixed-dose combinations of two or more medicines for greater efficacy. You have to have faith!

Lyn Cole of Colorado recently participated in the Denver American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb to raise funds and awareness of COPD. She used a liquid oxygen portable that delivers 1/2 liters to 15 liters per minute. The unit, from Caire Medical, was fastened with Velcro to a backpack, so she would have air circulation around the tank to prevent the unit from freezing. One breath and one stair at a time, Lyn and friends climbed Republic Plaza -56 floors and 1,098 steps. They got to take the elevator back down!

Laura A. of Florida finally tried yoga and says it has changed her life! She had thought it was very strenuous and that she would never be able to participate. After a month of attending senior yoga at a local yoga studio, she says she is a definite convert. The mild stretching has her more limber and the relaxation techniques have her falling asleep during class. Namaste!

Lovina H. tells us when she goes to the local gym, she exercises on Nusteps for 15 minutes and then uses a pair of dumbbells in her hands and kicks her feet for 20 minutes in a pool, “By then I am ready to drive home!”

For those trying to quit smoking, my husband smoked for 43 years. A lady in choir standing next to my husband said “I get sick every time I stand by you.” So he threw his cigarettes away and quit smoking right there!

Jean Rommes of Iowa shared a webinar that she at- tended on oxygen systems that you can see at http:// tinyurl.com/bgouebt. It was presented by Bob McCoy of Valley Inspired Products in Minnesota. Jean says it’s an absolute must for people who use oxygen. There’s a tremendous amount of information that is really important for all of us to know and understand.

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