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The Benefits Of Keeping Your Mind Active

Memory lapses can be scary for senior citizens. Diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s have hindered countless numbers of senior citizens’ lives. Oftentimes, senior citizens fear the worst during a senior moment but, there is hope. Participating in activities that keep the mind active will help senior citizens prevent or slow down cognitive decline.

Try some arts and crafts

Arts and crafts are a great way to stimulate the mind while getting the creative juices flowing. Trying new things enables the brain to rewire and re-train itself. After the reprogramming, the brain starts using different areas to problem solve. Creativity stimulates different parts of the brain.

1. Make a dreamcatcher

As part of the Ojibwe Chippewa tribe tradition, dreamcatchers were made to protect the tribespeople during the nighttime. The catcher traps all the bad dreams in the web and the good ones go through the hole. These beautiful adornments can be made at home using feathers, beads, natural fibers, and leather. Display them anywhere or give them as gifts to friends.

2. Bead bracelets

Beaded bracelets are a tried-and-true art. Craft stores carry so many different varieties of beads and charms. To create the actual bracelet, people can use metal or plastic wire. Beading is simple, just feed the string through the bead’s hole and secure the ends.

3. Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are a welcome addition in any garden. Everyone likes the sound of wind chimes blowing in the wind on a warm spring or summer day. Make a set of wind chimes by using a pot with pre-existing holes. Terracotta pots with drainage holes make a decent wind chime base and can be found at the local hardware or home goods store. Buy some paint and other add-ons like glitter to decorate the pot.

4. Greeting cards

People don’t send enough cards these days, but seniors can change that by making homemade greeting cards. Get creative and purchase ribbons, stickers, and other materials to make greeting cards for special occasions and holidays.

Talk to a healthcare provider

Seniors need to be as active as possible so speak to a healthcare provider to learn about new ways to keep the mind and body moving. Remember, staying active will improve the day and disposition.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.