General health care tips on asbestos related diseases

No matter what asbestos related disease one may suffer from, it is important to take care of yourself the best way possible. This article compiles a few general health care tips for living with asbestos related diseases. It focuses on ways a patient at any disease stage can benefit no matter their physical ability. With varying stages of asbestosis or mesothelioma, the ways to take care of yourself will vary but will be of assistance nonetheless. These general health care tips on asbestos related diseases are generic, however a patient can check with their doctor if these tips apply to their condition and stage.

General health care tips on asbestos related diseases

Food, rest and exercise

• Eat healthy it is of utmost importance to eat healthy foods. Such good habits help maintain muscle mass and bodily functions. Include in your diet fruit and vegetables.
• Limit salt intake- this will reduce any adverse effects and diseases associated with eating salty foods.
• Drink a lot of fluids fluids help with blood circulation and bodily functions. Unless advised differently by your doctor, drink at least six glasses of water daily.
• Sleep every night try and get 7-8 hours of sleep. During the day take short rests and/or naps. This helps preserve energy and avoids one getting too tired.
• Exercise according to your ability try and do a form of exercise. Exercise helps increase strength and endurance of the heart and lungs.

Cleanliness

General health care tips on asbestos related diseases: Wash hands

• Wash hands washing hands constantly is essential to reduce the risk of diseases such as flu and colds. Also it is important to wash hands before taking medication and when handling oxygen equipment.
• Flu and/or pneumonia shots should be taken to protect oneself from such diseases as these strain the lungs and breathing process. Where possible members of the patient’s household and caregivers must get these shots to reduce risk of infecting the patient.

Avoid bad air

• Where air pollution is rife and during seasons where the pollen count is high, patients must opt to stay indoors. If possible use an air filter machine to improve the quality of air indoors
• Avoid breathing pollutants, as these are triggers for shortness of breath. For example; car fumes, smog, aerosol sprays, paint, kerosene and cleaning agents.
• In cold weather breathe through your nose and cover your mouth and nose with a scarf.

Keep a diary

• Keeping a diary helps you to track when you have trouble breathing. It also shows you how often it happens, how bad it is and what triggered it.
• A diary is a good way to identify triggers and deal with avoiding them.

Avoid smoke

General health care tips on asbestos related diseases: Stay away from smoke and smokers

• Stay away from smoke and smokers.
• If you smoke, this may be a good time to stop. Quitting will greatly improve your health no matter how long you have been smoking for previously.
• A structured stop smoking program can help smokers stop smoking.