This little farm, abundant with tomatoes, squash, green beans, onions, sweet corn, herbs, and
flowers, lives not in a big, open field, or even on a large neighborhood parcel
on the edge of town. It is in the front yard of the lovely young couple who live next door. Their house, standing on a city lot just 48 × 132 feet,
was only half-built in 1926 not long before the start of the Great Depression. Today
that little three-room house still stands proudly and is known as the “half
house.” The couple living there has had their share of hardships, heartaches, and chronic illness. They don't have much, but they've learned how to make the most of what they
do have. And they inspire me every day.
So, when I sat down to write this blog post about making the most of what we have, healthwise, I thought I’d share that with you.
We’ve been learning a lot about vaccines and how we can be armed to fight viruses and diseases that come our way. So, now let’s look at some other ways we can optimize – make the most of – our health, and everything we have, to keep from getting sick this fall and winter.
Thinking about all the good health habits we should be using can easily be overwhelming, maybe causing us to think, “This is too much, so just forget it.” So, let’s narrow it down – waaayyyyy down – to changing or improving just one health habit we have that’s not the best, not optimal. We can all start with just one change, can’t we?
So, given your COPD and decreased lung function, what are some ways you can optimize your health and everything you have?
If you’re already diligently doing all the basics, good for you! We can use your help! Share your knowledge and success with us! What change(s) have made the biggest/best difference in your general health? What is something you do that might help others?
Here are just a few examples of good health habits. They may seem simple and obvious, but all the same, they’re easy to skip when we’re feeling busy or unmotivated.
- Washing your hands
- Wiping down what you touch in public
- Exercising routinely
- Using a COPD Action Plan
- Taking medications and supplemental oxygen as prescribed
What one change can you make to give yourself a better chance of staying well this fall and winter? I’m going to get better at using my hand sanitizer when I’m out and about. Lately, I’ve not been as mindful about it as I should be.
How about you? I look forward to hearing from you!
For more complete information on avoiding COPD exacerbations / flare-ups, go to: What is an Exacerbation or Flare Up | COPD Foundation
For printed information on COPD, you may download the guide on exacerbations by following this link COPD Foundation Educational Materials. Any or all of the nine Guides to Better Living are available for free download. To purchase go to COPD Patient Education Online Catalog | COPD Foundation.