If you suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you are not alone. Because the body does not get enough oxygen on its own with this disease, shortness of breath, chronic cough and wheezing, fatigue and tightness in the chest are often experienced.
However, many of those struggling with COPD have found relief with mobile oxygen therapy such as Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs). They also help to protect the heart and decrease its workload, which can become overwhelming when there is a lack of oxygen. Those who use portable oxygen solutions, can also experience better sleep patterns during the night and more energy and alertness during the day.
There are certain adjustments that can be made in your daily routine to ensure your supplemental oxygen has the opportunity to perform to its highest ability. Incorporate these tips into your life for a more independent and healthy way of life:
- Eat Small Meals: Strive to eat six small meals a day with a high caloric intake. Use whole milk and cream with your morning cereal and coffee. Use butter, cream cheese and healthy oils in your meals. And don’t skimp on the dessert! When you cook, make enough for two or three meals to cut down on cooking efforts.
- Exercise with Your Oxygen: Simply walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week, will keep your body active and healthy. So you don’t have to run a marathon to get maximum benefits. Instead, walk around your block or even down your driveway and back. Find an activity you enjoy and stick with it. You can always build up your routine.
- Reorganise Your Home: Ask a friend or family member to help you rearrange your belongings so that they do not require you to reach overhead. Remove dishes from the top shelves and make sure everything in your closet is easily accessible, as reaching over your head can become tiring.
The newest mobile oxygen therapy options allow those challenged with COPD to travel freely instead of lugging around large, awkward tanks of oxygen. Many POCs have the ability to plug into cars.
To learn more about how a portable oxygen system can allow COPD patients to lead active lives by helping the body receive the oxygen it needs anywhere it needs it.
For more information when travelling with your portable oxygen concentrator visit OxygenWorldwide.
The above article is a guide taken from various resources for useful information relating to portable oxygen concentrators.