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COPD treatment resources on Amazon |
Haircut shearsDo it yourself haircut is easy. Save moneyAvoid driving to barber shop Avoid exposure to other people, especially during cold front. Wait for good day outside. Sit in the sun and get hair cut. Don't breathe hair. Cover face with mask while hair is being cut. Do not use powder or lotions with fragrance. IT CAN BE UNSAFE TO USE ELECTRIC SHEARS AROUND OXYGEN. Use scissors instead of shears if oxygen is being used. Buy Hair cutting kit/ $18 Features/ resources: 6'10" long cord with polarized plug, beveled ear cutting attachments, choose any length of hair from 1/8" buzz to 1" long Choose length, snap color-coded length attachment to cutter, plug it in, start cutting, neck trim attachment, comb and small pair scissors included. Don't worry, it will grow back. Here is Photo of kit at my house |
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Use artificial flowers (or no flower) instead of real flowersAvoid fragrances such as flowers, potpourri and perfumesChange flower arrangements frequently if possible to avoid build-up of dust Having a nice environment that's clean and uncluttered can be easier for COPD patients Have a cleaning service if possible Have friends or family de-clutter the environment Do not remain in the same room where cleaning is taking place you do not want to see breathe the dust or cleaning chemicals Pleasant surroundings can be a calming effect which can help improve oxygen Stress will often decrease oxygen Buy Flower arrangements |
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Allergen air filters"Pollution can cause heart attack Intermountain Medical Center's Heart Institute found that risk of most serious kind of heart attack rises after the level of PM2.5 (fine particulate) pollution reaches 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air. That's the yellow, or "moderate," range of air pollution.Such pollution is comprised of fine particles of metals, allergens, organic chemicals, soot and dirt, each measuring about 1/20th the width of a human hair. For every 10 micrograms above 25 the PM2.5 rate reaches, the risk of a serious heart attack rises by 15 percent. People with heart disease are vulnerable because plaque in artery walls becomes inflamed when breathing polluted air. The plaque becomes unstable, swells and splits, blocking the artery." end of quote The same particles and pollutants can cause inflamed airwaves in people with COPD. COPD patients are at double risk from air pollution because both heart and lungs are affected. Buy 3M Filtrete air filters Allergen air filters Features/ resources: Allergen air filters simply filter the air and have no byproduct. Air filters that draw air through fabric filters, and HEPA filters do the best job of removing contaminants from the air. However, electrostatic filters produce ozone as a byproduct. Ozone is an irritant that can inflame airwaves. Any product that produces ozone is bad for airwaves and COPD. Best actions: ban smoking and perfumes. Remove carpet. Maintain HVAC equipment. Change air filters regularly. We use the 600 filtrete dust and pollen filter changed each 2 months. And have IQ air machine for bedroom. |
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Breath builderSpirometry is 'measuring breath. It is used for pulmonary function test.'The breath builder is one aspect of spirometry. It measures amount of inhaled air volume. It is also used to help maintain lung health. Ideal methid: breathe in slow and deep. Slow inhale uses diaphragm muscle, while quick inhale uses chest muscles. Use breath builder 2-3 times per day, in addition to prescribed inhalers (if applicable to diagnosis), can help keep airwaves open. Using the breath builder first thing in morning can help raise oxygen level in bloodstream in some patients. It is also used to help strengthen and expand lung capacity for horn players and musicians. Doing arm exercises and leg exercises from a sitting position, after using breath builder, is sometimes prescribed for clearing airwaves and maintaining good circulation and strength. Buy Breath builder Spirometers at Amazon Resources/ research: Spriometry and COPD/ pdf Spirometry science and explanation/ pdf |
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Peak flow meterPeak flow meter measures level of obstruction in airwaves.It is not an exercise that is done daily, although it can be used this way. It can be used before and after using broncodialiators to estimate effectiveness of treatment. The measurements are approximate, and they vary throughout the day depending on general healh, condition and fatique. Other factors that affect the result are age and height. The peak flow of a person declines with age. How to use: Insert end in mouth and form firm seal with lips. Relax mouth and neck. Sit up straight. Take deep breath through nose. Exhale as quickly as possible in one push using diaphram and chest muscles. Peak flow meter charts are available online. For example my age and height shows average number. And my results are normally lower, but occasionally higher. My reults are much lower immediately after walking because of condition and fatique. Doctor says not to worry too much about results since the charts are not correct for all people. The main thing it to keep a good outlook and stay healthy. He says if you look at peak flow results, then it will cause concern and stress.... and that will lower the results. Buy Asthma meter |
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Technique for coughingHow to cough with COPD.Sit upright in chair.Breath slowly inward through nose. Deep breath. Lean forward and cough while exhaling. Flex diaphram and chest muscles Repeat |
Inhaler maskInhalers are sometimes prescribed by doctorMasks are not covered by Medicare Order mask locally or online Masks are disposable. Must be disposed after a month or so. Get recommendation from doctor or nurse. Many inhalers carry warning against getting mist into eyes Use long tube type instead of mask if the inhaler can get into eyes Buy Updraft nebulizer Hudson updraft nebulizer at emergency medical products Order adult mask Updraft nebulizer II at emergency medical products |
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Rescue inhalerKeep your rescue inhaler with you all the time.Have another inhaler by the bedside. |
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ExpectorantExpectorants, like Musinex chest congestion, can be prescribed by doctor to help loosen mucus from lungs.Also buy over counter at Walgreens. READ the package label for reactions and side effects. Side effects are important consideration such as headache, dizziness, sleeeplessness, etc. Be careful: protect yourself from falling and make sure your get rest.. Doctor should always be consulted. My doctor said up to 1200 mg per day. Be careful to avoid the cold and flue version of Musines, and get the chest congestion, if you do not have cold. The other ingredients, like tylenol are not best choice for some patients. Buy Musinex at Amazon |
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Vibrating massagerHold against ribs in front or back to loosen mucus and help clear lungsPerson hitting back with cupped hand can also loosen mucusBuy Whal at Amazon Vibrating vest is available to help clear lungs |
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Overnight bagKeep a bag packed for the hospital.Put essential medicines and inhalers in the bag, plus list of all medicines, and doctors and contact numbers. Often the hospital will not want you to take your regular medicines until condition is determined. WWith some medicines, the hospital schedule is not your usual schedule. For example acid reflux medicine should be taken 1 hour before first meal of the day... but the hospital I suggest having yiour regular medicines on hand. Include extra cell phone charger, extension cord, pencil, paper, socks, underwear. |
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Wear respirator mask when going outsideI am wearing 'half mask' with organic vapor cartridge. This has protected me from breathing vapors, dusts etc.I wear the mask when going outside or moving around boxes or anything that will stir up dust, dirt and mold. The filter cartridges are replaceable. It is more difficult to breath through the mask... but it is safer for people with lung problems who can breath hard enough Smoke, pollutants, dust, forest fires, etc can affect lungs and airways When rainfall ends and then sunshine following, this condition will cause explosion of mold spores... avoid going outside on those days. Avoid large crowds. Buy Respirator masks Resources/ research: Picture of types of half masks |
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Prevent illness/ don't breathe dust / Avoid going out during weather change, bad airFresh cut grass, cold fronts, cold weather, leaves, sunshine after a rain, allergy season, tree and pollen season, air pollution, ozone, house cleaning, old papers and cardboard, laundry, bug spray, household cleaners and chemicals, laundry day... can cause irritation of lungs and possible infection.Applies to any person with lung problems, severe allergies, or weakened immune systemPrepare in advance when a storm front is forecast. Shop ahead of time. Plan to stay indoors. Avoid going outside after a cold front arrives ... people are prone to catch pneumonia ... or catch colds from other people Stay indoors. Wear respirator and dusk mask. I wear the N95 dust and surgical mask. Can impede breathing in those with weaker inhalation strength. Buy N95 mask |
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Starter kit has 5 packets of saline mix Or buy the full kit with 50 packets |
Neli-med nasal rinseFolks using some drugs and inhalers frequently have dry nasal passages. For example inhalers and sleep and anxiety meds etc.To keep nose open, I use the Nelipot and saline mix. Be careful when using before laying down. Draining sinuses can cause respiratory difficulty. Always use distilled water. You can clean the Nelipot by filling with distilled water and adding 1 drop of bleach. Let sit overnight. When I feel a cold coming on, I add a couple drop of white vinegar when mixing new solution. Adding a tiny bit of vinegar... the mixture is harsh, and I certainly have no idea if this is recommended by medical profession, but it has prevented me from getting cold so far.... and the nasal cold was always a precursor to the cold dropping into my lungs, requiring antibiotic. Be cautious if you try this. The manufacturer recommends use new nedipot each 6 months. I change mine every other month. My doctor says, the solution is just saltwater, and that saltwater does not prevent mold. You must not keep using same nelipot. Buy Nelimed at Amazon Walgreens also carries the neli med product |
Large soap dispenserWashing hands is important to avoid bronchial problemsBar of soap is easy Soap dispenser can be used with 1 hand for dispensing Large bottle is convenient Mix dish soap with water ... although dish soap can dry out hands Buy: Larger soap dispenser bottle |
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Low salt dietLow salt diet is usually recommended by doctors for patients with COPD and heart problemsSalt can cause water retention in the body including the lungs To prevent build up of water and fluid in the lungs and low-salt diet is essential Read food labels and plan ahead Low water intake can also help heart and kidney function in people with enlarged heart of with other heart ailments. People with COPD frequently develop enlarged heart. Too much water consumed at one time, or consumed over a period of time, can cause decreased salt content in the blood which can cause bowel problems in addition to serious risk of seizure and death. Too little water can also cause health problems. Buy Low salt diet books at Amazon |
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Doing arm exercises with resistance band Using flashlight in each hand for weight Sitting position, back straight Move arms outward Resource: See illustrations of each COPD exercise |
COPD Exercise, walking + arm exercise with optional Resistance bandWalking is the best exercize for COPD..Exercise is important if doctor advises it. Exercise includes walking and arm exercises. Important thing is not straining or breathing too hard. Keep slow pace and don't push yourself. Build your strength slowly. Strong chest and shoulders are important for COPD health. Walk on flat smooth floor. Remove obstacles to avoid tripping. Keep a chair nearby if you need to sit. Stop periodically. Stand straight with shoulders back. Keep arms at side. Swing arms. Arm exercises while sitting are important. Always breathe in slowly-and-deeply. This can help loosen lungs and strengthen shoulders. Strong chest and shoulders are important for COPD health. Do arm exercises while seated, with small weight in each hand... flashlights with or without batteries make a good weight that is easy to grip. Build up to 10 repetitions for each exercise shown below. -hold arms straight in front of you... raise both arms over your head and then back to lap. -raise one arm over head at same time straight one leg.so leg is straight. Repeat with other leg. -start with arms in front, and stretch arms outward. -arms in front, bend deeply forward while breathing in ... and do the same exercise while breathing out. -turn head slowly one direction and then the next -rotate torso slowly one direction and then rotate the other direction Resource: See illustrations of each COPD exercise Buy Green medium resistance band Red light resistance band |
Pulse oximeterPulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation in the blood.And it also reads heartbeats per minute. Normal O2 saturation reading for young person is 98. The number declines if person is in ill health or older.. My doctor says: 'you and I are the same as long as your O2 is 90 or above" Caution, below 90 you should be aware that this reading means putting on oxygen, doing your emeregency inhaler, sitting down or laying down or breathing deeper or clearing lungs with caughing or visiting emergncy room is a wise course.. Having two pulse oximeters at the home will check reliability Buy Pulse oximeter |
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Replace bathroom towel bars with support barMake bathroom saferAttach to structure (2x4) using handrail bracket. Simple sanded 2x2 with stain for color is all that's needed I used a treated 2x2 left over from construction years The support bar is extended into the bathtub for safer entry and exit from tub Resource: How to attach handrail to pocket door |
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Add safety grab bars to bathtub.Caution... the soap dish will not hold your weight.Use stainless bolts and screws. Avoid using the pot steel bolts and screws they send with product. Buy real stainless screws and toggles at local store. Be careful when buying stainless. Often the package says stainless, but it's just pot metal from china covered with stainless coating. Go to real hardware store. Look in the pull-out boxes. You can feel the weight of a stainless screw or bolt... it's much heavier and more reliable than the pot steel that comes with bar. Attach the lowest bar to 2x4 inside wall... best if both ends are attached to 2x4, but at least 1 end must be attached to structure using stainless screw. Other end can be attached using stainless toggle bolts. Do NOT use the plastic anchors. Use real metal toggle that opens behind the wall. Buy: Safety grab bar at Amazon Bathtub safety grab bars |
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Support bar on door frameUse lag screws to attach to 2x4 frameAdd to any door frame Buy: Good grip safety grab bar/ installs with lag screws Safety grab bar at Amazon Bathtub safety grab bars |
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