Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease affects more than just our airway. Fatigue, decreased mobility, postural changes, fear, and anxiety can also arise when battling this disease.
COPD can severely effect our ability to engage in social, self-care, and leisure activities, leaving us feeling a loss of control and quality of life. Balance in Motion would like to return control back into your life with the power of knowledge. Individual coaching is focused on relieving and managing symptoms. Practicing daily tasks in a new way or using a compensatory strategy helps you achieve your highest level of independence at home.
Knowledge is Power!
You know the old saying, “No swimming for 30 minutes after eating!” There is some truth to that old advice! Digestion can be taxing on the body as it takes energy to digest food. Did you know, completing harder tasks before eating, choosing several smaller meals vs. large meals, and considering anti-inflammatory and foods rich in antioxidants can improve the way you breathe and tolerate activity? Studies suggest higher intake of vitamin C , vitamin E, vitamin D, lutein, flavanoids (vibrant colored fruits and leafy green vegetables), fish (omega-3) can actually protect and promote lung health.
The focus of education with our COPD clients include: Monitoring pulse oximeter and heart rate during tasks, understanding how those readings relate to our breathing and activity, nutritional considerations for optimizing respiratory and muscle strength, how to rid your body of carbon dioxide naturally, identifying environmental triggers that increase symptoms (excessive temperatures, perfumes, extreme emotion or anxiety), safe use of oxygen in the home and community, and how to use the dyspnea scale to monitor breathlessness.
Managing Symptoms with Breathing, Guided Exercise, and Practice
Exercise can be intimidating when you experience breathlessness, even at rest. The focus of our physical instruction includes pursed lip breathing, diaphragmic breathing, exercise tolerance, improving chest mobility and respiratory function, muscle strengthening to prevent atrophy and postural changes.
Compensatory Strategies that Stand Out!
Let’s talk about adaptive equipment, only customized for your home and specific needs. Here are ideas to think about how your daily routine can improve through a few of our favorite tools and compensatory tricks.
Sleeping aides: best type of pillows for UB support, bed rail between mattress for mobility and storage of frequently used items, positions that improve lung function, a bedtime routine that facilitates rest.
Shower equipment: seats, grab bar positioning, soap on-a-rope, easy squeeze containers, set up and timing of showers, absorbent robe for quick drying, and tricks to decrease the need for reaching or bending.
Customize your kitchen: organizational systems to keep items used most within reach, fun tools such as rocker knives, jar openers, how to use a $10 rolling plant stand to transport heavy pots/pans, or an automatic drink dispenser under $12, (and never have to lift a gallon of milk again)!
A healthy balance of rest, exercise, and knowledge can reduce anxiety and improve symptoms. To partner up with Balance in Motion and combat COPD with independence and confidence, schedule a free evaluation today!
