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Lifestyle Changes for Better Asthma Management
Lifestyle Changes for Better Asthma ManagementMaking healthy choices everyday can help limit your asthma flare-ups. It’s never too late to start makingpositive changes.If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Your healthcare provider can recommend several methods that may workfor you.And stay away from second-hand smoke.“Certainly you should avoid being around smoke, because it can be a big factor in your coughing,wheezing and breathing.”Managing your weight is also very important when you have asthma. Extra weight causes your heart and lungsto work harder and can increase your symptoms.If you are overweight, your healthcare provider can recommend healthy ways to help you lose those extrapounds, such as increasing your level of physical activity and making healthy food choices.“Walking around, trying to just do daily activities, walking the dog, and even cardiovascular activities, Imean, anything that I do, it all depends on that weight. Even when I work outside doing anything. It’sthe weight itself.”Getting into a routine of regular physical activity can go a long way in helping you reach your weight goals andimprove your overall health. Check with your provider on which exercises are best for you.Drink plenty of water, especially during exercise. Proper hydration keeps your body’s cells functioning properlyand helps keep the mucus in your airways loose.Healthy food choices include adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals and snacks, limiting your use ofsalt or sodium, and choosing fresh foods more often than processed ones.Talk to your healthcare provider about other ways you can improve your eating habits to benefit your overallhealth.Another change in lifestyle that can help manage your asthma symptoms is to get plenty of rest.When you feel out of breath or become tired, stop what you’re doing and sit down. Rest helps to keep yourairways relaxed and allows you to breathe easier.Making healthy lifestyle choices to avoid becoming ill is also important. This is important because your airwaysare always sensitive, even when you are healthy. But the congestion, coughing, and muscle aches from anillness can contribute to an attack.Habits like washing your hands often, getting proper sleep at night, and avoiding people with a cold or the flucan all help.Be sure to ask your provider if regular flu and pneumonia vaccines are right for you.Talk to your healthcare provider about your lifestyle. Together, you can decide which healthy changes you canmake to help better manage your asthma.“I’m now able to go on walks. I’ve lost 40 pounds, because before I couldn’t exercise, because as soonas I would walk out the door, I can’t breathe. So now I can walk around. I can even slightly jog and doall of those things that I couldn’t do before.”Then choose one change, make a plan, and start taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle and better asthmamanagement.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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