Tag: health

Week 43 of 2026 a day late

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

Had a good night woke with the alarm again this morning. I was in bed early last night at 6.45pm and fell straight off to sleep and slept through to 4am when I needed to pee, I then went straight back to sleep.

Tasha came and spoke to her dad about loaning her money to get another car she wants something smaller and he said he would, I was surprised.

Yesterday she came down in a bit of a state because she realised her car runs out of rego on Monday, she asked me to pay the CTP for her, and she went and got a rego check. All is good now.

I have had a so so day not great but could have been worse.

Steps:6,675

I had an ok night I was up twice to pee and when Tim’s alarm went off at 4.45am and since I was more or less awake, I got up.

I had my dental appointment, she cleaned out some gunk around the bottom teeth, she also told me it isn’t a long-term fix, and I am going to lose my bottom teeth and wants me to see about going on the waiting list for dentures. She also told me to rinse my mouth twice a day with a particular mouthwash, which I have bought cost $16, and I have to use it for 5 days.

Tim will be home later then usual as he has another job after his school run.

Steps:6,466

I had another good night slept through till Tim’s alarm went off at 4.55am, I am up and waiting for Tim to leave so I can have a shower. It is 10c or 50f at 5am.

Walked up and had a look at
I have had a good day until around 4.30pm when I started to feel sick as in nauseous and extremely tired.

Steps:8,225

I slept well woke only once to pee and that was at 4am, it has been a rough start to the day with legs that didn’t want to work as they should but by 9.30, they are improving.

I went to ride the scooter up to Tasha’s but only got as far as the front door when it died, the battery needs replacing

Tim will be home around 7.45 a s he has another job after the school run.

Steps: 8,253

I slept well woke only once to pee and that was at 1.30am after that I went back to sleep till just before the alarm went off.

It is a wet morning with heavy steady rain it is supposed to rain all day like it is now. Thankfully I don’t need to leave the house today.

Tasha sent me a voice message, and I could hear the pain in her voice which made me want to cry, the pain is in her back she has had back X-rays done and they do not look good. I told her to ring the ambos and if needed go to hospital.

Tim rang to let me know he will be home long after I have gone to bed as he is now doing a rail run which is around an hour and a half each way.

Tasha has improved she had a hot shower and that helped enough. She does have a high pain threshold.

Steps: 9,133

I slept well woke only once to pee and that was at 1.30am after that I went back to sleep till just before the alarm went off.

I woke up at 4.40am to pee and stayed up, Tim was asleep on the lounge he said he wasn’t able to settle so stayed up and got what sleep he could. He had the heater on, and the room was so suffocatingly hot.

I managed to walk down and post my letters when I got home, I was exhausted.

This afternoon Drew and family were moving; Tasha doesn’t know if it is a permanent move or temporary only time will tell.

Steps:11,850

I slept well woke three times to pee and ended up staying up after I got up to pee at 4.30am.

I have paid Natasha comprehensive car insurance she transferred the money to me so I could pay it for her.

Had a great chat with Kathy this morning loved it.

It has been hot day.

Steps: 10, 855

Understanding Lung Diseases

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Today I am looking at the so-called common lung diseases are conditions that affect the airways, lung tissue or blood vessels in the lungs. They can make breathing difficult and reduce the body’s ability to take in oxygen. Some illnesses develop suddenly, while others last for years and require ongoing care.

Common Types

·       Asthma: Inflammation and narrowing of the airways can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness.

·       Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A long-term condition involving airflow limitation, often associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking is a major risk factor, although other exposures and genetic factors can also contribute.

·       Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It can cause coughing, fever and difficulty breathing.

·       Pulmonary fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue that makes the lungs less flexible and can cause increasing breathlessness.

·       Bronchiectasis: Damage and widening of the airways, often associated with an ongoing mucus-producing cough and repeated chest infections.

·       Lung cancer: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Smoking increases the risk, but people who have never smoked can also develop it.

Common symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, tiredness and repeated chest infections. These symptoms can have several causes, so they do not confirm a particular disease. A cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss or increasing breathlessness should be assessed by a doctor. Coughing up blood also needs prompt medical attention. Severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion or difficulty speaking because of breathlessness requires emergency help.

When you see a doctor the doctors assess symptoms, medical history and exposure to smoke, dust or chemicals. Depending on the suspected condition, tests may include breathing tests such as spirometry, chest imaging and blood tests. Treatment varies with the disease and its severity, and may include prescribed medicines, pulmonary rehabilitation or specialist care. Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke, reducing exposure to harmful dust and fumes, and discussing recommended vaccinations with a healthcare professional can help protect lung health. Early assessment and appropriate treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life, even when a condition cannot be cured.

Blood Supply to the Lungs:

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

Two Circulations, One Vital Organ

Today I am looking at the bloody supply to our lungs

The lungs have a unique dual blood supply. One circulation makes gas exchange possible, while the other nourishes the lung tissue itself. Together, they keep oxygen moving into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide moving out.

Deoxygenated blood leaves the right ventricle through the pulmonary trunk, which divides into the right and left pulmonary arteries. These arteries follow the branching airways and form capillary networks around the alveoli. Across the thin alveolar–capillary membrane, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the air spaces, while oxygen diffuses into the blood. Oxygenated blood then returns to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins.

The bronchial arteries arise from the systemic circulation, usually from the thoracic aorta or nearby branches. They deliver oxygenated blood to the bronchi, connective tissue, visceral pleura and supporting structures of the lungs. Some bronchial venous blood drains through the bronchial veins, while some enters the pulmonary veins, creating a small normal contribution to the physiological shunt.

The pulmonary circulation is a low-pressure, high-flow system designed for efficient gas exchange. The bronchial circulation operates at systemic pressure and supports the metabolic needs of the lung tissue. Connections between the two systems can provide some backup blood flow, but they can also become clinically important in conditions involving inflammation, obstruction or bleeding.

Let’s look at what happens if there is a blockage a blockage in a pulmonary artery, most often caused by a blood clot that has travelled from a deep vein in the leg or pelvis, is called a pulmonary embolism. It reduces or stops blood flow to part of the lung, so that area may still receive air but cannot exchange gases effectively with the blood. This can lower oxygen levels, increase pressure on the right side of the heart and, if the blockage is large or there are multiple clots, cause haemodynamic collapse or death. Possible symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may worsen with breathing, a rapid heart rate, coughing up blood, dizziness or fainting. A suspected pulmonary embolism requires urgent medical assessment.

Week 40 of 2026

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Had another good night, I woke at 4.30am and it is a cool start to the morning.

The day is cold and wet around 11am Tim walked inside said something about mowing the back lawn and then said he was going to get ready for work. He has been called in to do rail from Newie to Central; he should be home around 9.30pm

Blain and his girlfriend came down to see me when they were visiting Tasha, they arrived just after Tim left for work.

I have a lot of lower back pain on my left side this afternoon so much pain that moving is difficult.

Steps: 6,521

Another good night woke at 4.57 to the sound of rain the temp is 13c or 55f and not supposed to go above 18c.

My back pain has eased, and I can move with wanting to cry.

I was sitting in my armchair when I noticed Sue turn up, she brought over some chocolate cake.

Tim spent all day out the back doing whatever, at least he isn’t just sitting around watching his phone.

I had wanted to do more stuff myself but the pain in my lower back stopped that.

Steps: 6, 995

Another good night, slept through till 4.11am but after peeing I went back to sleep till 4.50am when I got up it is a chilly 8c or 46f.

I was able to walk down and post some letters as the back pain isn’t as bad yesterday.

Tim has had another productive day took the cans to cash in, then found a couple of pallets which he broke up this afternoon as well as finishing the back lawn and then mowing the front lawn. After all that his back is aching. I suggested he apply a heat patch which he did, only to say20-minutes later that it wasn’t working as it was barely warm. I took it an applied it to my hip area I will leave it there overnight.

Steps:9,040

DR BABU 18-1-2027 at 3.40pm

Slept well, I was awake and up by 4.15am, had my shower before coming out to clean the kitchen, sweep and vacuum then have breakie. The temp at 6am was 6c or 43f.

Tim rang the doctors to make an appointment and while talking to the receptionist it was discovered that she was once a bus driver and ask Tim he knew someone and he did another driver he has known for 15yrs.

Received a parcel containing two very nice white pillowcases that I never bought and have no idea why I have them. Yes, there is a return address but it’s the business address and that doesn’t help. Ok I now remember ordering them.

Steps: 8,555

I slept well and was up at 4.50am it is going to be a hot day, I am just not 100% with it this morning my left knee and calf is so painful.

Shopping with Sue this morning and even though I felt mentally good the pain in my leg has made walking so difficult.

When I got home, I changed my clothes and sat with a heat pack on my left knee.

This afternoon when I turned the TV on ready to watch the evening news, I had no free to air. It too me half an hour and a lot of figuring with the antenna to get it back.

Steps: 6,795

I slept well and was up at 4.50am it is going to be another hot day; Sue and I have appointments with the podiatrist.

When I got home, I did the laundry and hung it up to dry and by the time I was done I was in so much pain, I had to sit and do nothing for a while.

Tim found a box of stuffed toys that we sorted through and decided to toss some of them in the washing machine. Tim said he wanted to give some of the away.

This evening Tim moved my recliner from near the front door to near the dining room. I am in two minds about this as I like that now I recline it right back, but I don’t like that I can no longer see out the front door while in the recliner.

Steps:  7,832

I was up at 4.20am and found the kitchen a mess, so that was my first task of the day, no it was the second task as I had to sweep and vacuum first as the ground felt awful.

It will much cooler today with rain, we only had light showers during the day.

This morning I was so restless, I tried to have a nap twice the first time was a failure the second time I manage to sleep for 25-minutes.

Tim is working today, he is doing rail which for those who may not know is when the buses replace the trains due to either track work or an accident.

He has also bought another box trailer that needs some work, he is going to sell the one he already has.

Steps:7,381

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.

Airway Problems

~ joannerambling ~ 6 Comments

Today I am looking at the problems we can experience with our airways, ya know those passages that carry air into and out of the lungs.

Problems can arise when said passages become narrowed, blocked, irritated, or inflamed. These passages include the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, bronchi, and smaller breathing tubes in the lungs. When airflow is reduced, a person may find it harder to breathe, speak, sleep, exercise, or clear mucus from the chest.

The common causes are infections, allergies, asthma, chronic lung disease, smoke exposure, choking, swelling, injury, or structural narrowing of the airway. Some problems are short-term, such as a cold or allergic reaction, while others can be long-term and need ongoing medical care.

The signs and symptoms to look for include

·       Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

·       Noisy breathing, such as wheezing, whistling, or stridor

·       Persistent coughing or chest congestion

·       Tightness in the chest

·       Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or sleeping because of breathing symptoms

·       Blue, grey, or pale lips, gums, or fingernails in severe cases

As a severe airway problem can be life-threatening, we need to call for help sooner than often we may if someone is choking, cannot breathe or speak, has swelling of the face or throat, becomes confused or very drowsy, or develops blue, grey, or pale colouring around the lips or fingernails. It is time to stop scrolling and time to ring your emergency number here in Australia that is 000.

Treatment depends on the cause. It may include inhalers, allergy medicines, antibiotics for certain infections, oxygen support, removal of a blockage, or procedures to open a narrowed airway. Prevention can include avoiding smoke and known allergens, following an asthma or lung disease action plan, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, and seeking medical advice when breathing symptoms are new, worsening, or unusual.

Next week we will look at specific conditions that block our airways.

Week 35 of 2026

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

I slept well and was up 3 minutes before the alarm went off. Tim didn’t get home till 2.30am and I have no idea what time he went to bed.

I feel good this morning and managed to sweep, vacuum and clean the kitchen.

I also went for a walk to post my letters.

Blain came to see his mum and came to see me as well, while here he helped Papa check the damage to my chair and Tim decided that he will be able to repair the chair.

Steps: 7,669 = 4.7k’s or 2.9miles

I slept well enough but was up at 4.15am.

Sue came and picked me up and we went to Officeworks to pick up some documents I had printed. We then went to the chemist to get more needles for Tim’s insulin.

Tasha told me she lost it with the workers, whenever she asked a question all they would say is “don’t know” at one point because she was frustrated and angry one of the workers started laughing at her which is when she told them to pack up and leave, she had to tell them 3 times to leave before they did.

She doesn’t know if they will come back or what. Because she is only 4’ 7” tall or 140cm tall some people think she is a push over she is not.

Steps: 7,712 = 4.8k’s or 2.9 miles

A new day has arrived; I got up at 4.45am and after feeling a bit sluggish this morning I am at last starting to feel ok.

I went to Tasha’s to wait in case workmen arrived they didn’t.

This afternoon I fell over, not much damage a bruised knee and a sore elbow, I didn’t hit my head but trying not to hit it I strained a muscle I suspect.

At first, I just laid on the floor, but when I tried to get up I couldn’t so I rang Tasha no answer so I rang Sue and said 6 words I’ve fallen and can’t get up the next thing I knew l had Tasha, Sue and Sandy here. Tasha had rung me back and I said the same 6 words to her.

In order to make others happy I am seeing the quack on Thursday morning.

Steps: 5,709 = 3.5k’s or 2.1 miles

A new day is here and a wet day it is my left knee and elbow are very sore, and I have a nasty small bruise on my knee.

I have had issues all day with my left leg and pain and not feeling stable when standing.

At 3pm I went to have a 30-minute lay down only to fall asleep for an hour.

Steps: 5,598 = 3.4k’s or 2.1 miles

Another day has arrived and it’s a somewhat cold start to the day.

My knee is really sore and has a dark bruise on it, my Dr’s appointment is at 8am, as it’s not raining, I will walk up to the top of the driveway to meet Sue.

Ok the doc said my knee and arm are fine and to use ice packs on my knee not heat packs as they can make the area bleed more darking the bruise and causing more pain.

The arvo has been fine done some housework, read some blog posts had little energy to do much at all.

Steps: 7,005 = 4.3k’s or 2.6 miles

Another day is here and it’s the last day of the working week. I have woken with not just a headache but an earache as well, so no hearing aids till that eases and as I am alone that should be ok

Did an email to our tendency officer about how I am concerned about Natasha’s state of mind due to all the shit going on with the workmen at her     place. She replied and acknowledged my concerns.

I was sitting here at my computer when in walks Sam and Jess, I felt so happy seeing Sam, I get the same way when seeing Blain and the girls, but I don’t see the girls much due to distance and their ages 13 & 16.

Had 2 naps today

Steps: 4,879 = 3k’s or 1.7miles

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.

The History of Glue

~ joannerambling ~ 11 Comments

Glue may seem like an ordinary household item, but its history stretches back thousands of years. Long before modern bottles of white glue, super glue, or tape, people discovered that sticky natural substances could help them build tools, repair objects, make art, and construct furniture. The story of glue is really the story of human ingenuity: finding ways to make things hold together.

Some of the earliest adhesives were made from materials found in nature, such as tree resin, plant gums, tar, and animal products. It is believed that prehistoric people used sticky substances like birch tar to attach stone points to wooden handles, helping them make stronger spears, axes, and other tools. It is known that Egyptians used animal-based glues in woodworking, furniture making, papyrus production, and decorative objects, while Greeks and Romans used adhesives in mosaics, construction, and everyday repairs.

For many centuries, the most common glues were made by boiling animal hides, bones, or connective tissue to extract collagen. These “hide glues” were widely used by cabinetmakers, instrument makers, bookbinders, and artists. Although they were not waterproof and had to be heated before use, they were strong, reliable, and could be softened again with heat and moisture, making repairs possible.

It was during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, glue changed dramatically.  It  was in the 1800s that natural rubber adhesives appeared, and with the growth of chemistry came new products such as casein glue, nitrocellulose glue, epoxy, polyurethane, and synthetic rubber adhesives.

Of course, wars and industrial manufacturing speed  things up as stronger, faster, and more specialised adhesives were needed for vehicles, aircraft, packaging, and construction.

Today, adhesives are everywhere: in schools, homes, hospitals, electronics, cars, packaging, and even spacecraft. Modern glues can be waterproof, heat-resistant, flexible, instant-drying, or specially designed for medical use.

So from way back when to now and beyond there will many different types of ways to stick on thing to another.

The Role of the Mouth and Nose When Breathing

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

This week we are looking at the role of the mouth and news when breathing.

The nose and mouth are the two main entry points for air when we breathe. Although both can bring air into the respiratory system, they have different roles. The nose is usually the preferred pathway because it filters, warms and moistens the air before it travels down the throat, through the windpipe and into the lungs. Tiny hairs and mucus inside the nose help trap dust, germs and other particles, making the air safer and more comfortable for the lungs.

The mouth acts as a second pathway for breathing. It is especially useful when the nose is blocked, such as during a cold or allergies, or when the body needs more air during exercise. However, air that enters through the mouth is not filtered, warmed or moistened as well as air that enters through the nose. This means frequent mouth breathing can sometimes lead to a dry mouth, throat irritation or poorer sleep.

Overall, the nose and mouth work together to help the body take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The nose protects and prepares the air for the lungs, while the mouth provides an extra route for airflow when needed.

When we have a cold, the inside of the nose can become swollen and filled with extra mucus. This makes it harder for air to pass through the nose, so breathing can feel blocked or stuffy.

Because the nose is blocked, we often start breathing more through the mouth. Mouth breathing lets air still get into the lungs, but it does not filter, warm, or moisten the air as well as the nose does. That is why a cold can sometimes make your mouth or throat feel dry.

A cold can also make us sneeze, cough, or have a runny nose because the body is trying to clear away germs and mucus.