Tag: fitness

Emphysema causes and treatment

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

Today I am looking at Emphysema which is a long-term lung condition and a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for oxygen exchange and making it difficult to breathe out fully. The damage cannot be reversed, but treatment can relieve symptoms, slow further decline and improve quality of life.

What causes it are things like

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause. Cigars, pipes and repeated exposure to second-hand smoke can also contribute.

Airborne irritants: Long-term exposure to dust, chemical fumes, smoke or air pollution—especially in some workplaces—may damage the lungs.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: This uncommon inherited condition can cause emphysema, sometimes at a younger age or in people who have never smoked.

Age and susceptibility: Risk rises with age and may be influenced by genetics, childhood lung development, recurrent respiratory illness and other individual factors.

Most people with emphysema are diagnosed after age 40, commonly in their 50s, 60s or later, because lung damage usually develops slowly and symptoms may be present for years before diagnosis. People with inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can develop emphysema earlier, sometimes in their 30s or 40s, especially if they smoke or are exposed to lung irritants. Age alone does not confirm emphysema; diagnosis usually involves breathing tests such as spirometry and sometimes chest imaging.

Symptoms often develop gradually and may include shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, tiredness and unintended weight loss in advanced disease. A clinician may use a medical history, examination, breathing tests such as spirometry, oxygen measurements and chest imaging. Blood testing may be recommended when alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is suspected.

How does someone treat this condition well here is what I found.

Stop smoking: Quitting is the most important step for people who smoke. A GP or pharmacist can discuss counselling, nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medicines.

Inhaled medicines: Bronchodilators relax the airway muscles; some people may also benefit from inhaled corticosteroids, particularly when exacerbations are frequent or asthma features are present.

Pulmonary rehabilitation: Supervised exercise, breathing techniques, education and nutritional support can improve stamina and confidence.

Vaccination and infection management: Recommended influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccination may reduce complications. Respiratory infections should be assessed promptly.

Oxygen therapy: Long-term oxygen may help selected people with persistently low blood oxygen levels, but it must be prescribed after proper testing.

Specialist procedures: For severe disease, selected patients may be considered for lung-volume-reduction surgery, bronchoscopy valve procedures or lung transplantation.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency care: Management includes avoiding smoke, specialist monitoring and, in some settings, disease-specific augmentation therapy.

Our Lungs

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

This week we are looking at our lungs.

The human lungs are a pair of soft, spongy organs located inside the chest, protected by the rib cage. They are an essential part of the respiratory system, which allows the body to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Every breath brings fresh air into the lungs, where oxygen moves into the bloodstream and is carried to cells throughout the body.

The rib cage plays an important role in protecting the lungs. The ribs form a strong, curved frame around the chest that helps shield the lungs and heart from injury. The rib cage also helps with breathing because the ribs move up and out when a person breathes in, allowing the lungs to expand, and move down and in when a person breathes out.

Air enters through the nose or mouth, travels down the trachea, and then passes into two main bronchi, one leading to each lung. These bronchi branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which end in tiny air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by small blood vessels, making them the main site where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

A person’s lung capacity or the amount of air the lungs can hold varies from person to person depending on age, body size, fitness level, and overall health. People who exercise regularly often use their lungs more efficiently, while smoking, illness, or pollution can reduce how well the lungs work. Measuring lung capacity can help doctors understand how healthy a person’s breathing system is.

The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes to make room for the heart.

The diaphragm, a large muscle below the lungs, helps pull air in and push air out during breathing.

Healthy lungs help supply oxygen for energy, remove waste gases, and support the body’s overall function.

Help Getting up from a fall

~ joannerambling ~ 8 Comments

I have posted about the causes of falling today I want to share some information about getting up after a fall.

It is important for people who may have a fall know how to get up after falling, also it is good for other people to know the best way to help someone up after a fall.

If you have fallen, lie still for a couple of minutes and check that you are not seriously hurt, slowly work your way up your body, carefully checking for pain or bleeding and slowly moving your limbs, one at a time.

Take your time.  Roll onto your hands and knees and look for a stable piece of furniture, such as a chair or bed.

If possible, find something soft to kneel on to protect your knees. Hold on to the furniture with both hands and use the furniture to assist you in getting up.

Bend up one leg and plant your foot firmly on the ground. Use the chair or furniture to carefully push yourself up. Take your time.

Remain supported with your head forward until you are sure you have properly got your balance. Carefully push yourself up to a standing position.

Take time to recover and phone someone to tell them what has happened.

If you are hurt after falling the first thing you need to do is try to get someone’s attention if out in public do this by calling out for help. If you have a phone and you should have one on you if falling is serious risk, call someone to help.

If your injury is bad as in maybe a broken bone or you are bleeding a lot, you should properly call for an ambulance.

If you are in your own home while waiting for help, try to reach for a blanket or dressing gown to keep you warm. Wrap yourself up to insulate yourself from the ground, especially keep your legs and feet warm. Try to stay as calm as possible.

One way to help someone up after a fall is to find two sturdy chairs. Place one next to the head and the other down by their feet. Keep in mind that they must be capable of doing the physical work required to get up. Your role is to help guide them through these steps and keep them steady, not lift their weight. If they cannot do this, then call an ambulance.

Help the person to roll over onto their side and assist them in getting onto their hands and knees. If they suffer from sore knees, place a towel beneath them to make this step more comfortable.

Move the chair closest to their head directly in front of where they are so they can rise up to place their hands evenly on the seat and assume a kneeling position. Get them to lean forward on the seat as they bring their strongest leg forward, leading with the knee to place their foot flat on the floor.

Move the second chair directly behind them, then ask them to use both their arms and legs to push themselves up and sit back into this chair. You can use your hands to keep them steady but keep your back upright and make sure they are doing the physical work to lift themselves.

I remember when my youngest sister or my brother had to help our dad up after a fall, they would stand behind him with a chair in front of him have him get his balance with foot flat on the floor, they would place their hands under his armpits and have him place his hands on then chair and push himself up.  By having their hands under his arms, it was easy for them to assist him as he was pushing himself up.  

Falling over

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

Today we are looking at falling over, something that can happen to some people more as they age or if the develop a medical conditioned affecting someone’s balance and coordination. Falling is something I have done a few times in the last 4 years, thankfully I haven’t broken any bones but have had concussion a couple of times and have needed stitches after a couple of falls.

In fact, people fall for a variety of reasons, including environmental factors, physical and cognitive conditions, and even medication side effects. Common causes range from tripping hazards and poor lighting to muscle weakness, balance problems, and vision impairments. 

Medications, especially those causing dizziness or drowsiness, and certain health conditions like diabetes or Parkinson’s disease can also contribute to falls. 

Environmental Factors are things like wet floors, icy patches, or uneven pavement can easily cause a slip or trip. 

Insufficient lighting can make it difficult to see hazards and navigate obstacles like furniture, cords, or other items safely.  

Lack of support can make it difficult to maintain balance, especially on stairs or in the bathroom. 

Physical and Cognitive Conditions include things like weak leg and core muscles can reduce stability and make it harder to recover from a stumble. Difficulty with balance, walking patterns, or coordination can increase the risk of falls. 

Then we have impaired vision, or hearing which, can make it harder to identify hazards and react appropriately. Then we have conditions like dementia can affect judgment and awareness of surroundings, increasing fall risk. 

Low blood pressure can be an issue especially when rising from a seated or lying position, low blood pressure can cause dizziness and falls. 

Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease can all impact mobility and balance. 

Certain medications, especially those affecting the nervous system, can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. Taking multiple medications, particularly those with overlapping side effects, can increase fall risk. 

The fear of falling can lead to reduced activity, which can further weaken muscles and increase the risk of falls. 

Wellness Test Results

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

I recently did a wellness questionnaire which can be found here: https://ezpzwellness.org/

These are the results.             

Personalized Recommendations

Physical Health: 48.0/100

Recommendations:

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily
  • Improve your sleep hygiene by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
  • Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables

Mental Health: 72.0/100

Recommendations:

  • Increase your mindfulness practice to 15-20 minutes daily
  • Try journaling to process your thoughts and emotions
  • Learn a new skill or hobby to keep your mind engaged

Emotional Health: 80.0/100

Recommendations:

  • Continue nurturing your emotional well-being
  • Share your emotional management strategies with others
  • Explore ways to give back to your community

Social Health: 40.0/100

Recommendations:

  • Make an effort to connect with friends or family at least once a week
  • Join a club or group related to your interests
  • Practice active listening in your conversations

Nutrition: 44.0/100

Recommendations:

  • Increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables
  • Reduce consumption of processed and fast foods
  • Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily

Sleep: 52.0/100

Recommendations:

  • Optimize your sleep environment (e.g., comfortable mattress, dark room)
  • Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation
  • Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime

Stress Management: 72.0/100

Recommendations:

  • Learn and practice time management techniques
  • Try stress-reducing activities like yoga or tai chi
  • Set realistic goals and break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps