SITTING is the new smoking – particularly for people with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.
That’s according to Olivia Quinn, respiratory clinical nurse specialist at HSE Mid West, who says that staying staying active and healthy is the best medicine for people with COPD, asthma, and similar conditions.
“Research confirms that a sedentary lifestyle is worse for your health than smoking. Studies have found that people who sit the most, compared to people who sit the least, have a greater risk of disease and death,” Nurse Quinn says.
The HSE has developed exercise videos for adults living with chronic conditions. And while it’s easy to feel like hibernating during the winter months, small changes to the daily routine can make a big difference.
“For those living with chronic lung conditions, some activities lead to breathlessness, which can be uncomfortable, frightening and panic-inducing. However, avoiding activity may cause a downward spiral—the less active we are, the more muscle strength we lose, and we become more breathless with activity, and so on. The only way to reverse this is by being active,” Olivia said.
She offered some basic tips, including “consult your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine. Do not exercise if you feel unwell, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.”
“A useful guide is that you should be able to talk but not sing, while exercising. You should stop exercising if you become too breathless, and never push into pain.
“Choose an activity you enjoy, like dancing, walking with a friend when weather permits; join a group class like COPD Support Ireland; or swimming at your local pool.
“Even if going out is not your preference, there are many online options, such as the weekly programmes run by the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association of Ireland, or the HSE’s home exercise videos for adults with chronic conditions, available on the HSE website”.
She also advises people with breathing problems to “be mindful of the air you breathe”.
“When you’re out and about, avoid rush hour or busy streets with lots of traffic fumes, keep a distance from the road, or junctions where cars are idling. Seek out green spaces and public parks if possible. Check airquality.ie for daily air pollution updates.”.
Additional advice and WhatsApp messaging services are available from the Asthma and COPD advice line on 1850 44 54 64, the Asthma Society of Ireland WhatsApp on 086 059 0132, and the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association on 086 871 5264.
