Staying Active and Healthy

Here at the Oxygen Concentrator Store by American Medical, there’s nothing that brings us more joy than hearing and seeing the freedom an oxygen concentrator can bring our customers. Kelly Ragan, writer for The Greeley Tribune, highlights an oxygen user taking back their freedom in her article Greeley Woman Teaches Water Aerobics to Classes That Become Like Family.

Diana Bleignier thought she'd grow up to be an elementary school teacher. She had a gift for interacting with people and instruction, so it seemed like a natural fit. But she didn't end up in a classroom. She wound up in a pool.

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When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), breathing exercises are an important way to maintain your quality of life, extend your ability to exercise, and stay calm during an acute exacerbation.

With COPD, breathing is a challenge for a few reasons:

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When you suffer from COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the constant lack of airflow into your lungs usually manifests itself in the lack of energy and chronic illness.

To help reduce the symptoms of COPD and increase your quality of life, you may want to eat a diet that is rich in superfoods. Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods beneficial for optimal health and well-being. Consider the following items the next time you go to the grocery store.

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A pulse oximeter is a small and lightweight device that attaches to a fingertip to painlessly measure the level of oxygen in your body. The oximeter can measure two things: your pulse rate and the level of oxygen in your blood. Both of these numbers are necessary to asses your current levels and health.

It’s important to note that the information a pulse oximeter can provide is limited. As we mentioned above an oximeter only measures your pulse and blood-oxygen levels. An oximeter will not measure the CO2, or carbon dioxide, levels in your blood stream. A pulse oximeter is not a replacement for more extensive and involved tests to be completed by your doctor. If you are ever in a situation where you are concerned about your oxygen levels, we suggest consulting your doctor immediately.

Pulse Oximeter's are discreet, small, and easily transportable! Typically Oximeter's weigh just a few ounces and are thinner than most wallets! Read on to learn more!

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Could your diet affect your risk for lung disease? A new study from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Villejuif, France would suggest it does.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease encompasses several chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema. These ailments often lead to blocked air passages and restricted oxygen flow; making breathing cumbersome and painful. According to the American Lung Association, COPD is the third leading cause of death in America. So how can you lower your risk of developing COPD?

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Patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have to monitor their health closely in concert with their pulmonologists and other health providers. For some patients, low body weight is a problem. Known medically as cachexia, a severely low body mass index (BMI) can exacerbate COPD systems and lead to further health problems, such as anemia and digestive issues. It is important for such patients to get a quality, high-calorie diet.

Calories are the food energy the body uses for everyday functions. Everything from walking to simply breathing burns calories. There are four basic sources of calories: alcohol, carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

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Exercise is vital for good health and is an integral part of well-being. However, when individuals have health issues, exercise can be difficult. Physical activity is even more important for those suffering from long-term illnesses, both to help in recuperation and prevent further deterioration. Oxygen therapy offers a way to make exercise less difficult for patients with chronic pulmonary diseases.

Decreased Exercise Capacity
Exercise isn’t always particularly appealing, even for those in the best of health. When a person has difficulty breathing, the idea of exercise can be downright daunting. Even if a person is determined to get the activity they need, the physical limitations from pulmonary illness may make this impossible. Breathlessness and easy fatigability prevent many pulmonary patients from getting the amount or intensity of exercise they require.

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Many chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients also suffer from muscle wasting, known as atrophy. While exercise is the best way to conserve muscle mass, it’s critical that patients get enough of the basic muscle building blocks in their diet. After all, you can’t build something from nothing.

The minimum daily protein intake should be 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. For a 150 pound person, this equals about 102 gram of protein a day. Of course, medical providers may use a different formula depending on individual cases, and their advice should always be followed.

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So you’re an outdoor sports enthusiast who enjoys hunting? If you have a medical need for oxygen, you can still engage in your favorite pastime. There’s no reason to give up physical activities, especially if you use a portable oxygen concentrator.

In the last decade, oxygen machines have been developed that weigh as little as 2.5 pounds. Their battery life has increased significantly, as well. Oxygen concentrators work by converting air in the surrounding area into concentrated oxygen. They deliver oxygen via continuous or intermittent flow. Continuous flow units provide a consistent amount of oxygen regardless of how many times a patient breaths per minute. Because they deliver a precise amount of oxygen per minute based on the manufacturer’s specs, intermittent, or pulse dose, are usually recommended for patients that require a lower flow of oxygen. If you use a pulse flow machine or need continuous flow up to three liters per minute, you can use a portable oxygen concentrator.

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If you've recently been diagnosed with COPD, your doctor may have suggested that you try to eat a healthier diet. You might have been referred to a registered dietitian, who can help you create a meal plan that will serve you best. Of course, you'll still need to take your medications as prescribed, as changing your diet won't cure your COPD. However, healthy eating will give you more energy, improve your immune system and much more.

It's worth it to change your diet if it helps you feel better all around. Some foods are ideal for people with COPD. Below are some snacks ideas, and easy, healthy meals for people with lung disease.

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