You are in safe hands...
In these strange times it is important more than ever to now support locally, support your country and support all the businesses around us that have been closed for 3 months in the most busiest times of the year.
How does this affect travel plans?
Many people may be still anxious and nervous about jetting off around the world this summer but look around and see what is on your doorstep. With a short journey you can explore your own country and what it has to offer! We sometimes don't see what is closest to us and you will be surprised how much there is to learn about a place plus you speak the locals language - no translations needed!
How does this help?
You are helping to support many businesses that may have to close or go into administration due to the loss over the past few month - they may even be able to survive this crisis. You will also be helping the economy to grow and survive.
What does this mean?
Even if you are travelling with your medical oxygen please do let us know as we can help supply this for you at your chosen accommodation. But ultimately you will be able to take a short journey whether it is a drive, train journey or a short boat crossing and not feel anxious about venturing to a foreign country.
You will also be able to relax more knowing your own countries coronavirus rate, where is safe and also how to behave with the 'rules' Each country has its own rules for example if you travel or are in the UK you would have to self quarantine for 14 days but if you took a drive to another city you do not need to but still can explore places such as the wonderful cities or beautiful countryside for a long weekend or even week and learn so much about another area!
Please do let our team know if you are planning to travel with medical oxygen and we can help you - you are in safe hands.
The 5 European destinations you can travel to now...
With lock-down easing it is hard to not want to get out and travel. The summer is just beginning and the climates are now warmer. For those looking and thinking about travel outside their country here are the 5 European countries which may be more likely to allow travel from abroad this summer:
- Italy - Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced its borders to countries within the European Union from June 3 and will keep a close eye on its rate and if it increases again.
- Greece - This country has had a very low coronavirus rate due to immediate lock-down so international flights will resume from July 1.
- Iceland - From June 15th restrictions will be eased and tests may be required instead of the 14 day quarantine rule.
- Portugal - Again another country that wants to let tourists in and the 14 day quaratine restriction will not apply here.
- Sweden - This country has not even been in a full lock-down mode compared to other countries and will accept European Union visitors plus UK, Norway and Switzerland
Please do take a look at our Oxygen A-Z Guide here plus all your travel needs if you are planning a trip in Europe with medical oxygen.
Please do check official websites before making travel plans as we know this situation changes daily and therefore governments may bring in different rules as above.
Spain is now open!
Tourism accounts for 12% of Spain's GDP, employing 2.6 million people, with the Canary and Balearic archipelagos relying almost solely on tourists. Coronavirus has hit the country and the industry hard but now we are easing out of lock-down and starting to become 'the new normal'.
Spain has announced that they will welcome visitors from 1st July without the 2 week quarantine measure in place. This is good news for the tourism industry and also for many visitors who have been dreaming of travel, holidays and visiting loved ones for the past 3 months.
Spain will not enforce the 2 week quarantine rule but for example returning home may mean you will have to still quarantine on your return to your home country. Please do check government websites for more details if you are planning to travel.
Download our full Oxygen A-Z Guide here
Remember to exercise even if still self-isolating at home
The British Lung Foundation have put together this video to demonstrate exercises that help keep your muscles strong. A lot of us have been at home and sitting down more than we are used to. These exercises remind us that we still need to maintain our strength during this challenging time. If you still cannot go out or only for a short period of time and you are getting short of breathe, here are some exercises that help give breathing techniques and also at different levels.
Watch the video and keep your muscles strong.
For more information and our FREE downloadable guide please go to our website and read our quarantine guide for free.
10 foods that are oxygen rich
You may not realise that there are foods that help with lung function or can help to increase oxygen blood levels. There are many foods but here we are listing our ten favourites:
- Spinach
- Brocolli
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Artichokes
- Almonds
- Avocado
- Celery
- Fish
- Apricots
Now that we are all cooking and baking at home and have more time to really think about our meals plus our health why not try and make some delicious meals using any of the above ingredients so enhance your daily meal intake with oxygen rich foods.
For those who have COPD, asthma and other respiratory conditions and use medical oxygen to breathe this is a great way to make sure you are eating the correct foods that you can benefit from. Plus it is fun to create a nutritious dish and try something new!
Check out our free e-book over on our website for more tips on what to do whilst in quarantine.
3 ways to stay positive during lockdown
Covid-19 is taking over our lives and while we all try to stay home and save lives it can be difficult to remain positive with all the negativity in the media or our thoughts.
Here are some 3 positive things you can do to give yourself the mental boost you need whilst being indoors and at home especially when you already are vulnerable or sick.
- Create a mood board or bucket list
Zone in on your hobbies, interest, travels and plans for your future. Put all your ideas on paper, in a scrap book, list in your phone or even type up on the computer. You can be as creative as you wish but ultimately focus on what you are going to do or go to or start once this is all over! - Stay hydrated It is important to remember to stay topped up with fluids and we may forget as not moving around as much. Your body still needs to be kept from dehydration as this can lead to bad skin, IBS flare up to headaches and tiredness to name a few. The NHS and The European Food Safety Authority state, “Women should drink about 1.6 litres of fluid and men should drink about 2.0 litres of fluid per day”.
- Video call your loved ones regularly Make sure you are keeping in touch with your friends, family or even your groups such as your local club or hobby group. You can set up virtual meet-ups, virtual drink nights to give a bit of fun to your week and see some friendly faces. Do not be scared to use video software as once you have mastered how it works it really makes you feel as if you are with all those friendly faces in the room and makes you feel really happy and in-touch with the outside world.
Don't forget you can download all the best tips of what to do when at home whilst in quarantine. FREE guide over on our website today at oxygenworldwide.com.
We would love to hear from you...
At this time across the world we want to spread some memories and also hear from our past and present customers.
Our services have been helping oxygen users across the world for over 25 years travel, explore the world and see new cultures, relax or just simply to visit friends and family who live abroad.
Our team have been working hard behind the scenes and it would be lovely to read about your OxygenWorldwide experiences!
Please let us know by writing a short comment here!
Thank you and stay safe. We will be able to travel again but for now we can look back on our travel memories.
Get the best tips for Oxygen Users at Home during Quarantine here...
The team at OxygenWorldwide have put together all the best tips of what to do when at home whilst in quarantine. The book gives general tips and advice for oxygen users during this global pandemic from how to look after your oxygen equipment to activities, planning your next holiday for 2021 and looking after your mental health.
You can download this FREE guide over on our website today at oxygenworldwide.com.
5 things you must do during lockdown
We are all living through strange times at the moment as the whole world is going into lockdown with Covid-19. As we all learn to social distance and be at home more how can you stop boredom or getting anxiety?
Here are a few things to do to make sure during these times you have a bit of self-care and keep positive, even if you are also dealing with a condition and part of the vulnerable groups of people living with respiratory health problems and using medical oxygen to help you get by each day:
- Daily exercises - maintain your daily exercises and stretching to keep up movement and health. Exercising not only helps you stay fit and strengthen muscles but it will boost being positive and an aid a good routine for the day.
- Be kind to yourself - If you don't feel up to doing anything one day let yourself relax, do not get stressed out by these feelings as you will feel more anxious. We all need a rest and time off now and again so just have that lay in or nap as your body is telling you to do so!
- Keep in touch - Have a system where you keep in touch with friends and family each week - this may be a certain time each day or week or even a virtual call from your computer. Seeing faces and talking to loved ones really keeps you connected and happy. It's always good to talk and also means you can check in with people to see if they are doing OK.
- If you condition worsens or you have problems with your medication, medical oxygen supply don't at all feel like you are being a burden to the GP, Hospitals or suppliers. Your health is important and even more so right now so if you need help or you wake up one day and don't feel right please call and get in touch as it may be important.
- Finally use the time to teach yourself something new. Have you always wanted to learn a language, read that book you never get around to or even plan your next holiday. We have more time than ever to really sink our teeth and thoughts into being a better cook, baking a cake, take up a course online or even just getting creative and reading up on your next plan - its time to plan that next adventure and remember we can still help you on your travels so please do look up our recommendations and links!
Oxygen Therapy and Living With It
For those who need oxygen via a machine living with it sometimes is tough. You need to adapt to a way of life but also not let it hinder your well-being and what you can do.
Oxygen is your life and do not feel you are confined to staying at home as you are connected to a machine.
Oxygen therapy has come a long way but today the smallest and most versatile portable equipment is available. Medical oxygen allows patients the ability to go on holiday, travel, exercise and be on the move 24/7 as you increase your oxygen blood levels that help stop symptoms, breathing difficulties and prevent heart damage.
A few do's and don'ts
Keep cylinders upright at all times whilst at home
Make sure you have working fire alarms and detectors in your home
Don't use flammable liquids and keep away from heat such as gas hobs
Don't let anyone smoke near you whilst you are using your oxygen
For all your oxygen needs here are some useful links and groups plus if you need to travel and go on holiday with your oxygen speak to one of our experienced advisers or let us call you.
