Physical activity and good nutrition are perfect partners in good health. This winning combination finds a balance between what one eats and one's daily activities. Together they help in managing weight and providing energy. Exercise and staying active are a very important part of fighting chronic lung disease. It is a myth that people with lung disease are too short of breath to exercise. Exercising 3-4 times a week actually helps improve shortness of breath. Physical activity not only burns calories, but it can also help the person in your care by doing the following:
- Make the most of muscle strength, or even build strength, depending on the program.
- Slowly increase the ability to do more for longer periods of time.
- Increase range of motion and joint flexibility (the ability to move easily).
- Strengthen the heart.
- Decrease feelings of fatigue.
- Decrease symptoms of depression.
- Maintain regular bowel and bladder functions.
- Cut down on the risk of skin breakdown and irritation.
- Protect weight-bearing bone mass (spine, hips, legs).
- Improve heart–lung function.
- Help the body fight infection.
- Make restful sleep easier.
Good physical fitness is made up of three types of exercise: stretching, strengthening, and aerobics. Each is important by itself, but together they can help the person in your care remain active as long as possible. This will help the person deal better with the changes illness may bring.
A person should always stretch before exercise. This warms the muscles, helps prevent stiffness, and improves flexibility and balance. The person should work at his or her own pace, even if it seems very slow. Encourage the person in your care, even if the exercises seem difficult at first. Watch for signs of fatigue. Always cool down after exercise.
If the person in your care is over 35 and has not exercised regularly, it is important that she see her doctor before beginning an exercise program. The doctor will help develop a program of exercise that best meets the goals of your care receiver, helping to put her on a path to better health. It is possible that the doctor may refer the person in your care to a physical therapist at first. A physical therapy program restores health and quality of life with nutritional advice and exercise.
