Our final post in our Staying Healthy series for Alpha-1 Awareness Month is full of tips for the coming holiday season. Thanks for following along, getting active and learning along with us! If you missed any of our daily posts, please check out (and like) our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/A1ADSupport/ 12 tips to stay healthy over … Read more
It goes without saying, but when your doctor prescribes an inhaler or oxygen for you, there’s usually a good reason for it. Studies show that those who adhere to their prescribed therapies not only feel better in the short-term, but actually fair better overall and end up living longer than those who aren’t as religious … Read more
For Alphas who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the condition causes the lungs to gradually lose their ability to get enough oxygen to the body. One way to slow down the progression of COPD is to keep your chest muscles active through aerobic exercise, stretching, strengthening, and special breathing exercises. Stretching and Strength Training … Read more
We all know prevention is one of the keys to maintaining good health. Taking good care of our dental health is another important step in maintaining overall health. The reasons for maintaining good oral hygiene are much more than cosmetic. While at one time it was believed the worst outcome of gum disease was tooth … Read more
Individuals with Alpha-1 are more susceptible to respiratory infections and the consequences of infectious agents affecting the liver. To reduce the risk of experiencing serious complications that may be associated with these potentially fatal infections, vaccinations against influenza, pneumonia, and hepatitis are recommended for all individuals with Alpha-1. A yearly flu vaccination is recommended for … Read more
When you don’t feel like exercising you can come up with all kinds of excuses. We get it: exercise is the worst. There are so many things you could be doing instead. You don’t have time. And so on, and so on. But exercising regularly has too many benefits for us to stand idly by … Read more
Poor outdoor air quality and air pollution affect everyone, but individuals with pulmonary problems are at greater risk. Individuals with liver problems may also be at risk. Contaminants are present all around us from varying sources: exhaust from vehicles, discharges from industrial plants, air pollution, smog, chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, mold spores, and fungi. All … Read more
This post is for all those who have been prescribed and approved for augmentation therapy. You probably already know that the basic goal of augmentation therapy is to increase the level of AAT (Alpha-1 antitrypsin) protein and to restore the balance between the AAT and mediators of inflammation including neutrophil elastase. The therapy cannot restore … Read more
You don’t have to give up travelling for business, taking vacations, or visiting friends and family just because you have Alpha-1. The key to successful travel can be taken from the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared! Here are some tips to keep you safe and having fun! Discuss your travel plans with your physician to … Read more
There are many different types of inhalers prescribed for those with lung issues (e.g. ‘press and breathe’ metered dose inhalers (puffers), ‘breathe in hard’ dry powder inhalers, etc.) You should always follow your specific inhaler’s instructions for use. And keep those instructions handy to go back and check that you’re still using it properly on … Read more