Making memories this Christmas
This festive season many of us will be making up for lost time and making new memories with our loved ones. The last Christmas saw many separated, divided, lonely and not able to experience the warm, family-filled Christmas-time we all were hoping for.
Coronavirus although still very much a part of life has meant many will want to enjoy Christmas even more. Many will make travel to see loved ones, experience festive fun travels, all come together for food, fun and make up for lost time.
Whether you are hosting a special celebration, going to spend Christmas back home or jetting off for travels - make it special!
Top 5 destinations this winter
If you are looking to take the chill out of the winter this year - visit one of the below destinations for a quick getaway or short break in Europe. Many cities only a few hours away have spectacular streets, galleries. museums and winter is perfect. These months tend to be quieter as it is off-peak season so even easier for you to wander, see and explore plus at a cheaper price for you holiday abroad. If you are travelling with medical oxygen please do contact us at OxygenWorldwide to help arrange all your medical oxygen needs to your desired destination.
- Cyprus - still quite a warm temperature if you are looking for some warmer sunshine
- Berlin - an deal city for anyone that is an eplorer
- Seville - perfect part to take in the culture and its decor
- Canary Islands - also known for winter sun breaks and popular with UK travellers
- Morocco - for those wanting some exotic culture, amazing architecture then Marrakesh is closer than you think for a quick getaway
Let's all get festive
This year talking about Christmas doesn't feel too early does it?! We all missed loved ones, travel, Christmas markets and all the work and friend socialising so this year we all cannot wait!
We have previously written a blog for this but feel that this year we all cannot wait and winter travel may be on the plans even more so. With the UK relaxing travel rules by November even further - catching some winter sun, taking a short break or flying to spend times with those we have all missed will be more popular this Christmas time.
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
Life after Covid-19
Covid-19 is now with us all to stay. For those that have been through the effects of coronavirus this may in many cases mean respiratory problems into the future as part of your health.
As time goes on more and more research can be conducted, the learning and understand will become much more in depth. Many patients may experience health issues such as pneumonia post-covid is severe breathing problems in the future.
With an increase in respiratory and breathing problems medical oxygen will become in much more demand. Medical oxygen will also become a necessary life line for many to help breathing plus able to carry on with their life such as travel abroad, go outdoors and participate in other hobbies.
For more information about medical oxygen please see our other articles here
Conditions that can affect breathing
If you have ever wondered what conditions can be caused when breathing, inflammation of the lungs or problems with respiratory, then here are the main conditions:
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Asbestos-related lung diseases
- Asthma
- Atelectasis
- Bronchitis
- COPD
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- Pleural Disorders
- Pneumonia
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Sarcoidosis
- Sleep Apnea
Learn about oxygen and your eyes
Another popular article from our archives to be brought to the top and our new readers to read.
Did you know that the cornea is one of the few parts of your body that doesn’t have blood vessels supplying oxygen to it. The only other parts are tooth enamel, hair and nails.
So that light can travel through the cornea is transparent as well as no sight of blood vessels.
As there are no blood vessels to carry any oxygen where does the eye get oxygen from? It has to come directly from the outside air. To keep the cornea nice and healthy oxygen enters tears and carbon dioxide is released via the same process back out to the atmosphere. Certain things such as keeping your eyes shut for a pro-longed period of time or wearing the wrong contact lens can cause the cornea to lack oxygen.
There could be bad affects if the cornea doesn't receive enough oxygen. This could be the ability to not detect pain, scarring and become less transparent. Additionally, new blood vessels from the sclera (the white part of the eye) can grow into the cornea and cause further damage and scarring. Always wondered why you may get a blood shot eye? This occurs when the cornea is looking for an alternative way to get more oxygen in. Since the cornea is without blood vessels, the retina pumps up its veins in attempt to absorb more oxygen.
This response can lead to other problems over time like corneal neovascularization and macular degeneration disease. The oxygen supply to the cornea is slightly less absorbed when contact lenses cover the cornea. Contact lenses are now made to allow more oxygen to pass through to the eye and some are designed to be in for long periods of time too.
It is always a good idea to check with your optician to make sure you have the correct type of lenses to avoid damaging your eyes. Early symptoms of a lack of oxygen include dryness and irritation as well as blood shot eye. Solutions and moisturisers are available to help keep your eyes healthy and oxygenated.
References: http://www.aclm.org.uk and http://www.avoideyestrain.com
Original post 2015
10 ways to help increase oxygen levels
It may have been a few years since this article was published but due to a popular interest of wanting to find some simple tips, we have decided to re-publish for our new readers!
Using supplemental oxygen will increase your oxygen levels but there are other tips that can help increase your oxygen levels, its circulation and your body's ability to take up the additional oxygen and utilise it more efficiently. Take a look at these ideas as in conjunction with your home oxygen therapy a little change could greatly increase your oxygen levels and quality of life.
These 10 ideas will help to improve your oxygen levels:
1. Open your windows. Fresh air will bring additional oxygen into your home and even if you are constantly breathing in oxygen through a cannula, whenever you talk or open your mouth fresh air containing higher oxygen levels can be drawn into your body. If you live in a smoggy area then you could consider investing in an air-filtration system.
2. Plants. They are the opposite of us as they take-in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. Thereby increasing the foliage and plants in your home will decrease the carbon dioxide and increase the oxygen levels in your home.
3. Aroma. Many of the chemical-filled candles and various other incense type products actually contain carcinogens. Instead it is better to burn all-natural beeswax candles as then you’ll have better luck breathing in oxygen.
4. Exercise. Even a small amount of exercise will help to improve your respiration ability, as your breathing rate increases and deepens your lungs can absorb more oxygen.
5. Increase your water intake. Water is made up of oxygen so by increasing your water consumption you can increase the amount of oxygen in your body.
6. Go Green. Eating more fresh, raw green juices is beneficial as they are full of vitamins and minerals which your body utilises to aid in the uptake of oxygen.
7. Meditation. Daily meditation or just simply sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing and taking deep breaths for a few minutes can greatly help in reducing stress and improving your oxygen intake.
8. Eat lron-rich foods. Your diet can seriously impact your oxygen levels. Certain foods can help improve your oxygen levels in the blood naturally. Target iron-rich foods such as meats, poultry, fish, legumes and green leafy vegetables as they can improve iron deficiency, which in turn improves blood oxygen levels.
9. Cut out Salt. A diet low in sodium can lead to increased oxygenation via the kidney and the blood.
10. Eat green raw foods. Oxygen-rich foods can naturally increase your blood oxygen levels. Try eating more green vegetables like kale, broccoli and celery in order to boost your oxygen levels and hopefully breathe easier.
References: http://lunginstitute.com
Blog article first published 2015
5 tips for living with medical oxygen
- Portable oxygen concentrators - These will allow you more freedom to go wherever you wish, even on a plane. Do whatever you want to do as you can take the oxygen with you!
- Always plan in advance; look out for how long you may be walking outdoors, staying away from home or going abroad. Planning is key to make sure you have all your oxygen planned in advance. OxygenWorldwide can arrange anything abroad for you for your next holiday.
- Make sure you stay hydrated. Consume plenty of fluids throughout a day to avoid dryness.
- Be careful around any type of flame such as candles and gas heaters whilst having your oxygen with you.
- Your sleep will improve if taking oxygen overnight.
Where can I travel to this August from UK?
Adults who have been fully vaccinated through the NHS now don't need to self-isolate when they return from most amber list countries. Each area has its own guidelines so make sure you are up to date with current legislation and requirements. Here are a few popular destinations you could enjoy:
Spain
Portugal
Malta
Greece
Please do check any changes to conditions before travel. Our team will also arrange all your oxygen travel needs by simply starting out with our enquiry form hereand we will be in touch.
Travelling with oxygen? Here's all you need to know...
If you are now planning your next holiday, staycation or even a visit to friends and loved ones you have missed but need medical oxygen then look no further. Over on our OxygenWorldwide site our team have put together the main FAQ's to help you with everything you need to know.
From where we deliver, costs and how to get a quote you will find everything you need to plan your trip away with medical oxygen.
Find out and read the full list of FAQ's here over on our website.
