christmas

Travel tips for Christmas trips

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travel tips

Traveling can be stressful let alone during the festive season when many are going home for the holidays, visiting friends and family and meeting up with loved ones for Christmas. This can provide another layer of anxiety for those using medical oxygen and could deter anyone from even thinking about travel. Here are a few tips so you can set off on your travels and not miss out plus feel more relaxed as with anything planning and being prepared is the best tip especially if you have portable oxygen to take with you and also if you are going away for a longer period than normal.

  1. Avoid travelling on busy days for example Christmas Eve or once most companies break up for the Christmas holidays.
  2. Always plan to have extra battery power in case of travel delays or disruptions beyond your control.
  3. Real Christmas trees are magical but for those with respiratory difficulties this can affect your breathing. Fake Christmas trees are much safer.
  4. The festive season brings out all the scents but also with this comes naked flames so avoid scented candles that may trigger problems and also walk passed those chestnuts on open fires or grills.
  5. If you are traveling via air or sea please do check with your transportation provider your needs and that you are all pre-booked for your requirements. It is always advised to check all requirements before travel to stop any confusion or problems when boarding.

Finally enjoy your holiday, the time of year and being with your loved ones. Christmas is a magical time and can be enjoyed by all. Simply plan and prepare for all situations. If you require medical oxygen abroad simply send your medical requirements to the team at OxygenWorldwide who can arrange everything for you. Having 24/7 contact especially during holidays is a must and the OxygenWorldwide team will be your support.

A thought for next Christmas – rent your tree!

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christmas tree in the snow

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the Christmas trees; real and artificial once the festive fun is all over?

A couple have started up a business to let people rent their Christmas trees as part of Oxygen Project. This helps to reduce the amount of trees that simply end up in the landfill. Your tree gets replanted for you ready for next year.

On average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year. You may feel an artificial tree would be better as they are re-used each year but ultimately once disposed of they take a long time to decompose in a landfill. Recycling your real tree is the most environmental option to take.

Spread some joy this Christmas…

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Merry Christmas

For Christmas this year it is very different but we would like to shine a light to everyone across the globe to look after one another during this time and spread some joy.

Remember to get in touch with loved ones, reach out more to those that may be alone this Christmas and be there.

Here is to 2021 and thank you to all our friends, customers and colleagues for all your support during 2020.

Top tips for travelling with Oxygen this Christmas

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It is now that time of year when you start feeling a little more festive. Christmas lights switch on, families and friends start planning get-togethers and gatherings and out come the cosy jumpers and woolly hats. Planning gifts and hosting dinner parties may seem jolly but some people may be feeling stress and a bit anxious travelling with oxygen over the Christmas season.

Do not worry at all here at OxygenWorldwide we can let you spend more time downloading your favourite book, Christmas playlist and purchasing presents for your loved ones so just leave the organisation of medical oxygen for you travel needs to us! 


Here are 5 top tips when travelling with oxygen over the festive period:


1) Make sure you have notified everyone on your expected times of arrival and where you are staying to ensure that your supply arrives at the correct location / date / time

2) Ensure you pack everything you will need for the destination you are visiting. Especially over the winter months take extra care in packing the right clothes for the temperature. Many countries over winter months drop and you will need to keep warm

3) Always take more than enough supply of medication with you – transportation car / train / boar or plane especially in colder climates could be delayed or cancelled and pro-long your trip

4) If you are staying with friends and family make sure they have OWW contact details as we are available for help 24/7 and can help if something goes wrong with your oxygen supply during your trip

5) Most of all enjoy Christmas and unwind. Relaxing is the best medicine as well as laughter and joy. Make memories during your trip that will last a lifetime.


For all your oxygen needs please do speak to one of our expert team at www.oxygenworldwide.com

Christmas and not letting COPD or Asthma get in the way of having fun…

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christmas-tree

At this time of year as the nights draw in common colds and flu associated with the cold weather start to appear. This doesn’t help anyone with respiratory illnesses. Christmas also brings on added stress and also excitement that may trigger asthma attacks.One of the best things you can do to make sure you have a symptom-free Christmas is to plan ahead.

Make sure you stock up on much needed medicines. Take extra care when you purchase your all important Christmas tree which can trigger attached even in artificial trees whereas real trees carry mould that breathes in warm areas so if you can place your tree in a cool area this would be better.

If you’re planning to travel this Christmas – whether it’s to visit friends or family, or go on holiday – planning ahead can help prevent problems and help you make the most of your festive time away. Small things such as dust can trigger asthma when staying at friends and family houses. Carrying anitihistamines can help or explaining to family to dust down and vacuum before you stay could help.

If you are travelling abroad then be sure to plan in advance as many places are not open all the time. Our team of experts will help plan your medical oxygen needs leaving you to enjoy and relax your special memories with your friends and family.

Christmas check list

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xmasChristmas is a time for friends, family and a lot of preparing gifts, journeys, cards to send but most of all do not get too stressed and rushed and forget to look after yourself or your family’s health over the festive period.
Plan ahead:

  • Order any repeat prescriptions you may need especially if you are going away for the festive season.
 

  1. Check that you have enough oxygen supply for the Christmas period.
  2. If you are going away make sure you make arrangements for any oxygen that you need.
  3. Also look out for lonely, vulnerable neighbours and friends during the winter period, that may need your help or even conversation.
  4. Stay warm during the festive time – make sure you pre-programme your heating for when you are going to be in and set your thermostat to a suitable temperature.
  5. If you are ordering a supply of oxygen make sure you have registered with OxygenWorldwide so any concerns whilst away can be dealt with 24/7
  6. Have a lovely Christmas!!!!

10 Christmas gift ideas for someone with COPD

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Obviously friends or family with COPD do not just want presents all about their illness but if they have been newly diagnosed or need items replacing then you might be able to get them the perfect present. Anything that can help them with their disease will mean that you’ve helped to improve their quality of life all year round.
Christmas season

  1.  Exercise Bike

Nothing is more important to the person who has COPD than exercise. Exercise helps build endurance and muscle strength, ultimately making it easier for your loved one to breathe. An exercise bike helps that person to enjoy exercise within the comfort of home with their oxygen nearby for peace of mind, and they can use it all year round in any weather condition, unlike a normal bike.

  1. Pulse Oximetry Monitor

An FDA approved pulse oximetry monitor allows the patient to monitor their oxygen levels to ensure that they are getting enough.

  1. Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

Many patients suffer from COPD complications and may take a variety of different medications for them. A blood pressure monitor is essential to make sure the medications or the condition are not affecting their health.

  1. Nebulizer

A nebulizer is important to have as it administers medication directly into the COPD patient’s airways to help them to breathe easier. Handy to have one when out and about so that if an attack happens they can try to reduce it and improve their breathing as a short-term tactic until they can get to their oxygen supply.

  1. Knitted Beret, Scarf and Gloves

Keeping warm is so very important for someone with COPD as cold air can trigger an attack and they will help to prevent them from catching any bugs during the winter.

  1. Nebulizer Carry Bag

This will allow them to take their nebulizer out and about with them more easily and help to encourage them to keep themselves active. It could be used to carry other small pieces of equipment too.
7.Extended Oxygen Tubing
If they feel slightly shackled to their oxygen tank then getting them some extended tubing will allow them more freedom of movement in their home to be able to do more homely activities and keep them more active at home.

  1. COPD for Dummies Book

A great beginner’s guide for someone newly diagnosed or their partner or carer with lots of tips and advice on how best to cope with COPD. Also if they are smokers then perhaps self-help books on stopping smoking could also be beneficial.

  1. Portable Concentrator

If their local provider cant provide them with one then you can buy one privately. A portable concentrator is a hugely beneficial piece of equipment as it allows the patient to leave their home free from the shackles of their tank and use oxygen easily outside. It gives the patient a huge new lease of life and allows them to exercise, go shopping, see friends etc. without having to take their oxygen tank and supporting equipment with them.

  1. Accessories

There are lots of accessories available to help improve the home for patients who use oxygen. Sometimes local providers have limited choice and availability of these neat gadgets but private companies have a vast choice of those small things that can make a huge difference.

References: www.copd.about.com

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR COPD EXACCERBATIONS

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Christmas seasonResearch shows that COPD sufferers are more likely to be hospitalised during the Christmas holiday period than at any other time during the winter. This is in part due to developing respiratory infections on the weeks leading up to Christmas as the weather gets colder but also these are more easily spread at holiday social events, which are more frequent on the lead up to Christmas. With more germs around, colder weather acting as a trigger, increased social occasions and the extra stress of shopping and travelling leading up to Christmas, all increases the risk of infections, frequency of flare-ups and potential hospitalisation. Also remember that over Christmas you may not have as much access to medical assistance so preparation and check-ups before GP surgeries close and other services become minimised is very important.
It is very important to take care of yourself as the weather turns colder to ensure you stay healthy throughout the winter season.
To protect your breathing this holiday season:

  • Wash your hands properly and often
  • Stay away from people who are sick.
  • Make sure your prescriptions are up-to-date so that you are prepared to treat a flare-up.
  • Keep your medicine on hand.
  • Watch your symptoms and get medical help if you need it.
  • If you’re travelling, take extra supplies of your medicine.
  • Ensure you have enough oxygen supply and an emergency back-up just in case your oxygen requirements increase suddenly or there is a power outage

To prevent flare-ups, avoid these indoor triggers:

  • Decorations: When you get your holiday decorations out of storage remember they are most likely covered in dust. If the area where you store them has dust and mildew, proactively use your inhaler if prescribed one, and wear a mask, scarf or bandana for protection from these particles. Then wipe down all your decorations with a cloth to remove any dust before you deck the halls.
  • Trees: Freshly cut Christmas trees are beautiful but they can also contain pollen and mould spores, which can trigger breathing problems. If you bring home a live tree for the holiday season, rinse it with a hose and let it dry in your garage before bringing it into the house.
  • Hosting: People tend to deep clean their homes before being inundated with guests over Christmas. However excessive use of cleaning products can trigger flare-ups but there are lots of home remedies that work just as well that don’t contain chemical triggers.
  • Scents: Holiday scents can be a great addition to the festivities but things like candles, incense and air fresheners can also be a trigger. While they smell good, they may not be good for you or your guests with respiratory challenges.
  • Be careful of your diet, the holiday season throws up a host of rich and sugary foods but ensure you maintain a well-balanced diet as poor eating and diet can trigger a flare-up or make you more susceptible to a respiratory infection.
  • Be aware of wood smoke from stoves and fireplaces

Cold dry winter air can be a trigger for some people with asthma and COPD:

  • Wear a scarf or face mask over your nose and mouth, to help warm the air before you breathe it in.
  • Breathe through your nose, not your mouth – this also helps warm the air before it reaches your lungs.
  • If you plan to exercise outdoors, first do warm-up exercises indoors.
  • If need be, take a dose of your inhaler or oxygen before you go outside.

If you are prepared and take precautionary measures and monitor your symptoms then you should make it through the holiday season in good health.
Some COPD patients find it easier and safer to not be at home for the depths of winter to avoid ill health and chose to travel abroad to warmer climates, either with their partner or to visit friends and family. This way you can avoid the cold weather and its complications all together. Many find that being on holiday is more relaxing and the warmer weather helps to improve their health. Travelling abroad with oxygen is easy to arrange with a global company that can arrange and supply all your oxygen requirements from the second you step off the plane. Just check with your doctor that you are allowed to fly, look up helpful information on flying with COPD and contact a company, such as Oxygenworldwide who will ensure that your holiday runs smoothly. You do not want to be travelling abroad to ensure the cold doesn’t affect your health to then be faced with other problems abroad so just ensure you use a reputable company and make suitable preparations.

 
References: http://sct.poumon.ca and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov and http://propellerhealth.com