LIVING WITH IPF

> Lifestyle Tips

Please consult with your physician before making changes to your lifestyle

• Stop smoking as soon as possible. Ask your doctor to recommend support programs and products that can help you stop. Quitting smoking can increase oxygen levels in your blood, lower blood pressure and heart rate, increase body temperature, and reduce the risk of cancer and heart attack.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Eat less saturated fat, such as meat, eggs, and butter, and more fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, such as chicken and fish. If you are short of breath after a meal, try to eat smaller portions more frequently—up to six or eight times a day.
• Maintain a regular exercise program. Exercise helps keep your body working as efficiently as possible, improves your energy and muscle tone, and helps maintain your breathing capacity. Your physician can help you develop an exercise program that keeps you fit without overexertion.
• Lose excess weight. Losing weight may help you feel better and potentially may improve your breathing capacity.
• Avoid being exposed to infections. Try to avoid situations in which you might “catch” illnesses from others. For example, keep your distance from a child who has a bad cold. Also, frequent hand washing will help stop the spread of germs. Consider asking your physician about getting a flu shot and a pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine shot.
• Participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This resource may provide you with a structured, monitored exercise program designed to help prolong your life, reduce disability, and increase your level of functioning.
• Seek emotional support through family, friends, healthcare providers, and support groups.
• Try to stay mentally active. Some patients enjoy crossword puzzles, some enjoy other mental challenges. Find what’s right for you.
• Try to avoid excessive dust. You should try to avoid activities that involve excessive dust such as woodworking or raking leaves.
• Try not to overexert yourself. Get enough rest, and pace yourself in your activities.

Related Links: Your Health Care Team, Nutrition, Fitness, Travel Tips

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