Staying Active and Healthy

Summer weather and heatwaves can be cause for concern, but it can be especially dangerous for those who suffer from chronic lung diseases and rely on oxygen concentrators. Make sure that you and your loved ones are staying safe in the summertime heat so that everyone can breathe easy.

If you spend time outdoors during the day, try to plan your errands and other outdoor time for early in the morning or late in the evening. The middle of the day is when it is hottest, with the sun high overhead and temperatures soaring, and it can exacerbate any breathing difficulties. When you are outside, make sure that you’re dressed appropriately in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

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When you or a loved one suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you want to do everything you can to ease the symptoms. Inhalers, steroids and other medications, as well as oxygen therapy, are all potential treatments for these diseases, but there are other things you can adjust to better your life with COPD, including changing your diet.

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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 can be a challenge for the following 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 your overall 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

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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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