The Importance of Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle
What is a "Healthy Lifestyle"?
Why should I worry about eating a healthy diet?
Why is good rest so important?
Why should I exercise?
Is there an exercise program designed just for me?
What is a " Healthy Lifestyle"?
A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone but is especially important for people with COPD. A healthy lifestyle includes:
Why should I worry about eating a healthy diet?
It is important for everyone to eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight, but even more so for COPD patients. A poor diet is common for people with COPD. With COPD, being overweight can increase your shortness of breath. On the other hand, being underweight can cause you to feel more tired and fatigued. Tiredness can make it hard to eat a balanced diet.
Eating large meals often increases shortness of breath. Eating small meals more often may help.
When it comes to dieting, unfortunately there is no magic formula. To lose weight you need to consume fewer calories than you expend, but many of us know that this is easier said than done. Some small, but not insignificant, first steps may include:
- Continue to eat all the same foods, but use a smaller plate and take smaller portions.
- Keep a bottle of water with you and take a drink before eating something.
- Include one fresh vegetable or fruit with every meal.
Of course, a plan designed just for you would be best, so ask your doctor about meeting with a nutritionist. Not only will they help with meal planning, but you’ll also have someone supporting and monitoring your diet progress. Slowly and gradually make changes in your exercise activities. Start by just trying to increase the amount you move around the house. Using a step counter will give you feedback on how much you’re walking. Then try to "beat" your number every day, even if only by one step. Eventually you will find yourself able to walk much farther. Another easy home method of building muscle strength is to lift cans of vegetables. A combination of increased exercise and decreased eating or developing better eating habits is the best way to lose weight and get more physically fit.
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Why is good rest so important?
Your body and mind function at their best when they are well-rested and relaxed. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Some people need a rest during the day also. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk with your healthcare provider. In addition to being important for your overall fitness, regular exercise can help you sleep better.
Learn more about COPD and sleeping well .
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Why should I exercise?
An exercise program is another very important step in managing COPD. It is common for people with lung disease to limit physical activities because they are afraid of becoming short of breath. Many people with COPD enjoy walking, water aerobics and riding a stationary bike. Most people who exercise regularly also feel an increased sense of well-being.
People with COPD often use a metered-dose inhaler before exercise to decrease shortness of breath. Some people with COPD need oxygen therapy while exercising. Portable oxygen units are available. Talk with your healthcare provider about recommending an exercises program for you.
Before starting a diet or exercise program, always talk to your doctor about your plan to be sure that it is safe. Then, start with slow, small steps rather than attempting a quick "lifestyle overhaul." Changing lifelong patterns is a gradual process and succeeding in many little steps can be encouraging, where failing at a quick major change is definitely discouraging. The best approach is to speak with qualified experts about establishing a safe diet and weight control program.
Is there an exercise program designed just for me?
People with COPD can benefit from a formal rehabilitation program. Most pulmonary rehabilitation programs will include medical management, education, emotional support, exercise, breathing retraining and nutritional counseling.
Are you interested in learning about out what our rehabilitation program has to offer?
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