Emphysema is a disease that slowly destroys the fine tissue of the lungs that is essential for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. People with emphysema should make every effort to be in good physical shape.
Walking is one of the most useful and enjoyable ways to strengthen the body, say experts at the American Lung Association. Start with a short daily walk and try to walk a little farther each day. Breathe slowly and deeply. Walk with your arms hanging loosely and your chest and shoulders relaxed.
As you walk, strive for an easy, even speed. Try to take the same number of steps with each breath. Try, for example, to take two steps while you’re breathing in and four steps while you’re breathing out. Experiment to find the number of steps that works best for you.
Take caution as you venture outdoors, however. Outdoor air pollution is an irritant that is all-too-easy to find these days. Avoid highly polluted areas. If you live in a city, consider perhaps walking indoors at a local mall on days of smog alerts and if you have allergies, the same advice holds true for days when the pollen count is high.
Cold weather can be anything but a breeze to those with emphysema. Cold itself can be a trigger that tightens the bronchial airways. Take special care to dress warmly.
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