Archive for July, 2015

Breathe better, even with COPD

Posted on: July 29th, 2015 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

week 4

If you are one of 24 million Americans living with COPD, then you know how it feels—like you’re constantly breathing through a straw! While portable oxygen concentrators such as the ones sold through Brevard Medical can help alleviate some of the symptoms, there are a number of things you can do on your own that will also get you breathing easier:

Harmonica Therapy

It sounds silly, but it actually works! When you breathe in, the instrument makes a sound—same as when you breathe out. It’s unique among the woodwind instruments in the regards. Because of that, it’s very helpful it helping you learn how to control your breath. Plus, it increases lung capacity.

Take Yoga Lessons

Yoga can relax you, which can help you breathe easier. It teaches you to listen to your body, which is beneficial when you are living with a chronic illness. Plus, it’s great exercise. Those who live with a chronic respiratory illness often find it difficult to exercise. Anything that takes your breath away can be scary! But, yoga gives you a good workout without overtaxing you

Going for walks

Just like with yoga, going for a regular walk every day can help you get exercise without making you breathe heavily. With regular exercise, you can increase your lung function and lose weight. Often, losing weight can do wonders with easing the symptoms of COPD.

Volunteering in the Community

Giving back to your friends and neighbors can give you a sense of well-being that’s important to maintaining a healthy attitude and outlook on life. Such a state of being can impact how well you physically and emotionally cope with a chronic illness.

We here at Brevard Medical can help you access the medical equipment you need to alleviate the symptoms of COPD. However, the above actions can aid you in other ways, and we encourage you to try them!

Preventing falls when using a walker

Posted on: July 22nd, 2015 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

week 3 pic 2

Every year, 743,000 Older Americans have to be hospitalized because of non-fatal falls. It can be very costly to experience a fall—the Center for Disease Control estimates that in 2013 alone, the direct medical cost associated with falls amounted to $34 billion.

However, by using your walker properly, you can reduce your likelihood of a fall. Below are some tips on how to best prevent such a traumatic occurrence:

Do you have the right walker?

Walkers that have wheels on the bottom are not ideal for those who are worried about stability. Conversely, those who are worried about putting weight on their knees or feet should avoid walkers without wheels. The reason why is because wheeled walkers allow you to put your body weight against the device itself. Brevard Medical carries both types in our online catalog—you need to choose the one that’s right for you.

Is the grip comfortable?

If you’re not hanging on properly, then you risk a fall—but many people don’t hang on properly because it’s uncomfortable! Often, those with arthritis will have issues gripping the handle. You can buy covers for the handles that make them larger, so they’re friendlier to hands with arthritis. Or, you can get foam covers that make gripping them in general a little more comfortable.

Is it the right size?

The height of a walker should be even with your wrists when they’re at a resting position. Also, when you grip the walker, both your shoulders and your back should easily relax. A walker that’s too high or too low can pose tripping hazards.

Brevard Medical Equipment strives to make sure your life is as comfortable—and safe— as possible. We offer a variety of services that can ensure you a better quality of life, whether or not you use a walker.