One of the best things you can do for your health as an Alpha is to educate yourself on what Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is, what it is not, what care you need, and the precautions you need to take to keep yourself healthy. At the latest Alpha-1 event, Dr. Chapman (Director of the Asthma and … Read more
A healthy diet is an important part of optimising short term and long term health for Alphas. Eating a balanced diet provides us with the range of nutrients our bodies need and also helps maintain a healthy weight. Being a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing other conditions such as heart disease … Read more
So how much exercise do I really need to do to be active? Short answer: At least 20 minutes a day of activity that puts you moderately out of breath. Long answer: “If you’re not very active at the moment, the recommendations below might seem overwhelming. Think about how you could do a little every … Read more
Aside from tobacco smoke, other potentially harmful substances encountered in the home environment include: Fumes Household cleaners Aerosolized products Bug sprays Powders Fireplace smoke Dust and dirt Asbestos Bacteria Radon gas Mold and mildew “There is no conclusive evidence showing a direct relationship between the development of specific lung diseases and exposure to any of … Read more
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it really does make a difference! Good hand washing is the single best defence against the transmission of infections. And you could be doing it wrong! “Bacterial or viral-borne diseases are spread by droplets from a cough, sneeze, or touch from unwashed hands. Many people do not realize … Read more
Being active strengthens your muscles and increases your fitness. If you avoid activities that make you breathless, your muscles become weaker. Weaker muscles need more oxygen to work. Over time you feel more and more breathless. This is called the vicious cycle of inactivity. The good news is that you can break this vicious cycle … Read more
“Too fat or too thin? Lose weight or gain weight? Those can be difficult questions to deal with even in the ‘normal’ life of a healthy person. But if you suffer from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency you should take even greater care of yourself. Your diet should be balanced, although you don’t have to torment yourself … Read more
“For the smoker, inhaling cigarette smoke is known to accelerate the destructive processes at work in the lungs and puts the development of lung disease on the “fast-track.” For Alphas who smoke, that fast-track becomes an “express train.” But it is not only the risk to the smoker that is of concern. Secondhand smoke can … Read more
We’re told all the time how being active is good for us, but for those with a lung condition, it can seem like an impossible task. You’re already tired. It’s already hard to breathe. Won’t exercise just make those worse? “In fact, being active can actually help to improve your breathing and quality of life. … Read more
For Alpha-1 Awareness Month in 2018 we posted daily tips and information with the theme, Staying Healthy. Many of these topics still come up in the group, so we’re posting them here for everyone to enjoy. November is Alpha-1 Awareness month! In celebration, your group admins are putting together daily facts, tips, activities and inspirational … Read more