Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common disease in seniors. People who suffer from this disease have limited airflow. Due to the lack of oxygen intake, the brain and body can become depleted and worn. This debilitating disease can take away the sufferer’s quality of life. And because there is no cure for COPD, the treatment is focused on managing the disease.
- Talk to your Physician
Anxiety and depression are normally felt if you have COPD. And these feelings often interfere with your quality of life and wellbeing. Anxiety and depression can be treated with medications intended to manage negative emotions. Also, medicines are prescribed to limit your symptoms including shortness of breath.
- Maintain a Safe Environment
Internal and external home safety helps in preserving your health and assisting you as you perform activities of daily living. Safety measures that you can take include ensuring adequate lighting, removing throw rugs from the floors, using non-slip footwear and using a raised toilet seat. Comfort Care Home Health Care in Stony Island Chicago Illinois can help you with this.
- Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking is important to prevent the disease from getting worse. COPD in the advanced stage will decrease your ability to breathe.
- Conserve your Energy
Because of COPD, breathing for you can be challenging. Practicing to conserve your energy will help you in pacing yourself to complete activities of daily living without getting out of breath.
- Stay Physically Active
As a COPD sufferer, implementing a daily walk or breathing and stretching exercises helps in maintaining your emotional and physical wellbeing. Below are the benefits of exercises for you:
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For efficient oxygen usage. Exercise is important to strengthen the muscles that you use to breathe and other muscle groups.
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For weight management. If you are overweight, breathing can be more difficult for you and exercise can help you lose this extra weight.
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Mood improvement. Physical activity can alleviate depression and help you relax.
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For a good night’s sleep. Because exercise can make you tired, you will find yourself sleeping better at night. Getting enough amount of sleep at night provides you more energy during the day.
- Talk to Other People
Consider joining a support group to stay connected to those who have the same experience and can offer first-hand information on what it is like to live with COPD. Coping with COPD can be made easier if you share ideas and get words of encouragement from those who have been there.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
People with COPD, especially seniors, must discuss their nutritional requirements with their physicians. As you breathe, you tend to use more energy so maintaining a proper diet is important to maintain your health and energy.
Living with COPD may not be easy and you may want to contact Comfort Care Home Health Care for assistance. Call us today at 773-221-4400.
Disclaimer
Blogs, content and other media uploaded online are for informational purposes only. Contents on this website should not be considered medical advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to visit their physician for health-related issues.