Although there is a lack of formal research regarding the effects of specific nutritional recommendations for Alphas, proper eating habits may help to preserve lung and liver function. It is important to maintain an ideal body weight, whether you have lung/liver disease or not. Since scientific research indicates that people with lung disorders need to … Read more
The mask you’re using could be hurting more than helping! Those simple paper masks you see doctors and nurses using in a hospital setting are designed to prevent the wearer from spreading infection to others. It DOES NOT prevent the wearer from acquiring airborne infection from others. Presently, the only mask recommended by the Centers … Read more
For the vast majority of us, the greatest danger we’ll face at work will be no different than those we’d face out at the grocery store or mall… germs from other people who are sick and insist on “powering through”. ? And for the most part, getting out and staying active is much better for our health … Read more
You will probably experience times when you are unable to perform your exercise program due to illness or personal changes. When this occurs, you may require a return visit to your physician for re-evaluation or referral to a formal rehabilitation program to re-establish safe performance levels. The basic rules of thumb for exercising during an … Read more
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says exposure to air pollution particles may aggravate COPD and be responsible for COPD-related hospitalization and premature deaths. As Alphas, we know the risks to our lungs are even higher… any attack on our lungs could trigger damage. The right air cleaning system can effectively remove a large percentage of … Read more
Chronic stress can occur when our bodies are in a heightened response state for a prolonged period of time. If we have not learned to manage our stress effectively, a constant exposure or accumulation of stressors will eventually cause the brain, heart, muscles, and lungs to become overloaded, leading to both physical and psychological harm. … Read more
Changing your furnace filter regularly has a great impact on your health. Indoor air is polluted with contaminants — as much as five times more polluted than the air you breathe outdoors. The right furnace filter works to prevent contaminants from reaching your living areas and promotes effective airflow throughout your HVAC system and your … Read more
If you haven’t been exercising on a regular basis, your physician may recommend a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This type of program is indicated for the individual who has not participated in a regular exercise program, or for someone who is having difficulty performing activities of daily living at home and work, due to breathlessness and … Read more
“Most liver specialists would recommend no alcohol or at least very minimal intake for any individual with Alpha-1 whether or not there is any evidence of liver damage. “Risk factors for the liver disease of Alpha-1 are not as well identified as those for lung disease. The liver is the largest organ in the body … Read more
So getting active is important, and getting breathless is good for you, but how much is too much? Here are some tips: Start slowly and gradually build up Warm up before and cool down after your exercise If you use an inhaler, carry it while you exercise, use it when you need to Wear loose, … Read more