Why did my patients get so mad at me…
I never knew the power of pulmonary rehab until I started sending my patients over to the hospital to learn how to deal with their COPD.
You see, working in Kentucky, there are a lot of smokers. Many patients suffer from COPD. Sure, medications can help some but most do need oxygen eventually to keep going.
Once I added Pulmonary Rehab to my tool bag to help my patients, it seemed to change their world and their families.
They came in and told me stories of how they learned to breathe again.
They knew what to do when they started to panic because they couldn’t breathe.
They saw their families in a whole new light because they now understood what their families were feeling.
They talked with each other. They learned tricks from one another.
They truly felt life was worth living after pulmonary rehab.
The skills and knowledge learned in the program will help you feel better and manage your chronic lung disease. You'll become stronger by increasing your level of fitness. Exercising your lungs and your muscles helps you be more active so you can do the things you enjoy with your loved ones.
I share this with you because March holds Pulmonary Rehab Week.
And it is truly a time to celebrate.
So, what exactly is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is like a workout plan specifically designed to help people with breathing issues improve their quality of life. It includes exercises, lifestyle changes, counseling, education programs, and breathing techniques to help seniors manage their conditions better. The main goal is to make breathing easier and boost daily activities for those dealing with long-term lung problems or injuries.
Some exercises and techniques commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation include aerobic exercises like walking, resistance training, breathing exercises, functional fitness training, dietary changes, stress-reduction techniques, smoking-cessation counseling, mindfulness practices, yoga or tai chi classes, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional advice, vocational support, recreational activities like swimming, biking, and education on managing medications.
Common Lung Problems in Seniors
As we grow older, our lungs naturally weaken over time due to wear and tear. This can lead to issues like COPD flare-ups, asthma attacks, sleep apnea, or poor air quality at home caused by lack of ventilation or mold buildup due to excess moisture in walls or ceilings. More importantly, it gives your families back their lives. They don't stress, fuss and worry about you so much anymore. They know you've got what it takes to breathe without panic.
Simple Steps to Improve Your Lung Function
Here are some easy steps you can take to keep your lungs healthy:
- Exercise regularly: Walking and other aerobic exercises help strengthen your heart and lungs, improving oxygen delivery throughout your body and keeping you fit. Know when to rest your lungs.
- Quit smoking: Smoking damages your lungs, making it harder to breathe. Quitting can help keep your lungs healthy and reduce symptoms like coughing and breathlessness. Do not be around others who smoke. Even when they say they will go outside and smoke, they still carry the poison back to you in their clothes. Ask them to put on a “smoking jacket”. This is a hoodie, jacket, sweater, or oversized shirt the smoker keeps outside the home. They put it on before a cigarette and take it off, leaving it outside the home when they are done smoking. This way the poisons stay on the jacket and not their clothes.
- Avoid pollutants: Pollution can irritate your lungs, especially during outdoor activities. Try to avoid areas with high pollution levels, and protect yourself by wearing a mask if necessary.
- Avoid allergens: Allergens like dust mites or pet dander can trigger allergic reactions, affecting your breathing. Take steps to minimize exposure to allergens in your home. Also, get rid of all the fake chemicals that put smells in your clothes, like softeners. Also, use only non-scented soaps, shampoos, detergents, and absolutely no “car scents” that hang from your rearview mirrors.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your throat clear, preventing irritation that can lead to breathing difficulties.
- Improve air quality at home: Make sure your home is well-ventilated to reduce indoor air pollution. Regularly clean air filters and maintain your HVAC system to improve air quality. Be sure to check for Radon gas if you have a basement.
- Get vaccinated: Flu and pneumonia vaccines can help protect you from respiratory infections. Covid vaccines are available but you will need to check with your physician to see that this is a safe and effective one for you.
Ask your doctor for a Pulmonary Rebab referral. This course will run 3-8 weeks and will change your life.
Exercises for Better Breathing
In pulmonary rehabilitation programs, you'll learn exercises to improve your breathing and overall health. Here are some exercises you might encounter:
- Chest Physiotherapy: This helps clear mucus from your lungs by gently tapping or clapping on your chest., not banging hard on your chest.
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: This exercise strengthens your diaphragm, helping you breathe deeply from your abdomen.
- Postural Drainage: By changing your body position, you can help drain mucus from specific areas of your lungs.
- Pursed Lips Breathing: This exercise helps reduce shortness of breath by improving airflow.
- Breath Awareness Training: This teaches you to recognize and reduce tension in your body while breathing.
- Pranayama Yoga: These yoga techniques combine physical movements with breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve respiratory function.
- Panic Attack Reduction Breathing: By focusing on your breathing, you can reduce the risk of panic attacks before they begin.
By incorporating these exercises and tips into your routine, you can improve your lung health and enjoy a better quality of life.
As Super-Agers, we want to restore our health and this is something we are blessed with, so let's use it. For more tips on Super-Aging and staying healthy, active, and happy as we enjoy our years, get my FREE Super-Ager's Starter Guide.
Let's celebrate National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week by taking steps to breathe easier and live healthier!
