health

5 foods that help lung function

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apples
  1. Apples – this fruit has been said that it will help to reduce the condition of developing COPD or asthma due to its antioxidants and vitamin C. An apple a day…
  2. Green Tea – full of antioxidants but also anti-inflammatory properties too. Great for people who have Pulmonary fibrosis
  3. Yoghurt- calcium could help improve lung function as well as featuring potassium too
  4. Tomatoes – this food product can help to decrease inflammation in our airways so those who suffer with asthma may see better breathing function
  5. Oysters – the zinc and B vitamins in oysters are associated with great lung function and for smokers who lack B and B12 vitamins

Why is medical oxygen a challenge when we want to travel?

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woman looking over mountain scenery

More and more need for medical oxygen especially after more respiratory conditions such as Covid so this service is on the increase. `

  • Always plan in advance so that everything can be arranged for the correct dates of travel with no last minute panics
  • Airlines operate different policies please see you A-Z list here for further details as this can cause problems when booking travel by air
  • Careful arrangements by speaking with the OxygenWorldwide team here to make sure correct oxygen therapy is at your holiday for the duration of your stay

Simply be prepared and plan in advance when traveling with medical oxygen.

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.

How technology is helping health get better

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device with heart symbol for health

We rely on devices, internet and apps for so many areas of our lives now. From monitoring our steps, ordering online to keeping connected with others as well as reading books, listening to podcasts and researching news. Health is catching up with new ways to use technology to connect people especially those that are vulnerable.

CPI look at making huge advances in this area – a company that helps connect innovators with ideas.

This huge step forward could help create many health related benefits to so many people across the world. From knowing when your asthma inhaler needs replacing to data analytics and sending users notifications and reminders to take medication.

A very valuable concept for many now everything is moving to digital with easy and wide access to all from a device such as your mobile smart phone or tablet.

For any oxygen therapy needs please do take a look at our website here. We have many years experience of helping patients travel and keep moving across the globe with medical oxygen.


Oxygen Therapy and Smoking Does Not Mix

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Cigarettes on their own are the leading cause of house fires, but add to this the risk of oxygen being stored in the home and the danger dramatically increases.

Over the last few years there have been a staggering number of reports of people on home oxygen therapy being admitted to hospital with facial burns, eyebrows and hair burned off, death, smoke inhalation injuries and fire damage to their homes in the thousands of pounds. These occurred because they or a friend/family member were smoking whilst the patient’s oxygen equipment was in use.
However, do not interpret this to mean that oxygen therapy is something to be afraid of, it just needs to be respected.

General Advice when using oxygen equipment:
•    If you’re on oxygen, DO NOT smoke.
•    If you live with or visit someone on oxygen, DO NOT smoke around them.
•    Stay away from open flames, sparks, and gas (including gas stoves).
•    Turn the oxygen off while not in use.
•    Avoid petroleum-based products.
•    Do not use aerosol sprays nearby.
•    Comply with all safety instructions provided by your home medical equipment company.
•    Keep your oxygen concentrator in a well-ventilated area.
•    Never allow the tubing, cannula, or mask to be covered, as it can result in a build-up of concentrated oxygen.
•    Keep the name and number of your home medical equipment provider in a prominent spot for reference.
•    Post a sign stating ‘DANGER: No Smoking-Oxygen in Use’ for the benefit of engineers or visitors.

There are also health risks associated with smoking while on oxygen therapy. Smoking is the most common cause of many medical conditions associated with the requirement of oxygen therapy. Smoking got you here therefore it is highly recommended that you put as much effort as possible into trying to give up this harmful addiction, or to at least cut down. Smoking more will just continue to damage your lungs and increase the deterioration of your respiratory capability and make you increasingly more dependent upon supplemental oxygen. Using supplemental oxygen can improve your health and improve your medical condition but if you smoke you are hampering the possible medical benefits of the treatment.
There should be a respectful balance between your own lifestyle choices, your medical needs and the safety of yourself and others around you. Be aware of the dangers and make sure you take all possible safety precautions.

References: http://lambertshc.com and http://scienceblogs.com

Staying warm and well this winter

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winter

Winter is here. For many its a time to get excited for all the festivities as we warm up for spending time with loved ones, take a break or have some time out to see out the end of another (tough) year. But for many it can anticipate worry, anxiety and even cause for concern if you have a respiratory disease such as asthma, COPD or bronchitis. Many will be short of breath, coughing more or even not wanting to leave the house to avoid worsening conditions especially in times where coughing and having a cold makes many even more wary with Covid-19.

The best advice is to Keep Warm and to Keep Active. These two elements will help you be less severe and stay away from worsening your conditions. And the most important piece of advice is if you are unwell please do speak with you GP or doctor for further advice. Leaving the house may give many anxiety but a short walk in your local area and getting fresh air is so important for your physical and mental health.

Staying warm is important to keep your body temperature up. Carefully plan your ability to keep you house warm, wear extra layers of clothing and even thick socks and long-sleeved tops. Moving about will help to keep your temperature warm and strengthen those lungs which is very important at this time of year.
You may be travelling this winter to visit or be with your family so please do speak with our team for advice and arrangements to allow you one less thing to worry about when arranging medical oxygen on holiday.

Top foods for healthy lungs

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Whether or not you have a respiratory condition such as COPD, asthma or even exposure to toxins or cigarette smoke, healthy lungs are important to maintain.

There has been some research into certain food groups that have good nutrition benefits to reduce damage and help to protect this vital organ.

Here are 5 foods that could help:

1. Cocoa – now we all love chocolate so putting this one top of the list! Dark chocolate contains lots of antioxidants which help to relax the airways.

2. Coffee – again a good second choice also with its antioxidants and caffeine. Caffeine helps to open up the blood vessels which benefits people with asthma conditions.

3. Tomatoes – These contain Lycopene which is a type of antioxidant so again a great food item to reduce inflammation.

4. Turmeric – Known for its positives it contains Curcumin which is what is needed to help health improvements.

5. Apples – Eating an apple a day is true, especially with its benefits and vitamin C. Apples may help towards reducing the risk of lung cancer.

apples

Stay well this winter

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For those that already have a long-term condition, winter can be made worse. It doesn’t have to bring you down – all you need to do if this is you is be a bit more careful and you can enjoy these seasonal months.

Here are 3 main things you can do to help winter be easier

  1. Make sure you eat regularly and have hot drinks such as coffee, tea or lemon and honey in hot water. Its also great to bake and cook your own hot main meal of the day such as soup, casserole or cake
  2. Keep your home warm at about 18 degrees especially your bedroom for when you are asleep at night time
  3. Also check in on your neighbours and friends – if you cannot walk or drive then do catch up regularly via a phone call – conversation is great and also they will know you are ok and well

Is Covid-19 here to stay?

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covid-19

Like many we are all just want to leave 2020 behind and have an immense desire to put this challenging and ever-changing pandemic behind us. As we draw close to the end of the year it seems to have swooped in and taken this dream and all we have been working together towards an ending. Now there does not seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel and we will need to adapt and change to Cvoid-19 being here to stay.

How will we cope?

Well this will mean it will be very normal now to have masks and face coverings, social distancing and washing hand and sanitiser will also become ‘the new normal’. Our future plans will now need to become adaptable and with challenges and changes become opportunities. Do not let what is happening now affect your future. There are ways to be creative, think outside the box and still maintain all what you want to achieve. (within regulations!).

Once herd immunity and the vaccine roll out sets in we will be able to hopefully make more concrete plans of international travel, see loved ones and once again begin our adventures. For now it feels as if time has been put on pause with Covid-19 but as with everyone across the world – we will get there, it just not be the same as before.

Tips to help stop Covid anxiety

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road to help anxiety

There has been a mixed amount of emotions this year as we approach the end of 2020. People have never felt so much with stress, worry, anxiety and also having to abide by rules and regulations regularly changing. As we look ahead and begin to see an end to Covid-19 in terms of going back to a ‘normal way of life’ whatever that may be. For those who deal with not only a daily struggle having this anxiety on top cannot be avoided. But with the year drawing to a close it is as important an ever to make sure you handle these emotions correctly. Here are a few top tips to help with anxiety especially as coronavirus has been a worldwide pandemic all year – much longer than anyone could have imagined or be prepared for.

  1. Sounds obvious but talking about your worries is good! Many of us feel like we don’t want to pester others close to us with our thoughts or feelings. Most of the time it also helps the person you are talking to too and aids to feeling calm, voicing your worries and understanding the feelings. It’s good to talk or even write to someone close.
  2. Ignore scare-mongering – There is always a lot of media hype, articles or online sites that may not be factual. Always stick to recommended advice from websites and Channels that do not add to your feelings. Fact is what is needed when something so big affects your life. It also stops you from being overwhelmed or even confused.#
  3. Focus on today – it is true that when you may be anxious it is easier to manage when you focus on the right here and right now. Do not worry about the what if’s or tomorrow. Be strong and wake up feeling strong and in control of what today will bring.

It may feel like a long road but anxiety can be managed and you can be in control. Focus on what works and is right for you. With coronavirus and Covid-19 affecting everyone in every country it is a major factor that we need to address especially when dealing with a huge range of other day to day issues. Remember your loved ones and people close to you and that you are strong enough.