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Taking Charge of Life with Pulmonary Rehab: Donna’s Journey

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A Glimpse into Donna's Life

Meet Donna Wissinger: a vibrant woman who has faced the challenges of living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) head-on. Donna is a lifelong movie buff, who also enjoys music and reading. She grew up in Northeast Philly until her family moved to Willingboro, NJ at age ten. Having worked for 22 years in a management accounting firm that owned and managed nursing homes, Donna has always been a determined and motivated individual. However, her journey took a turn when she began to cough and experience her first respiratory symptoms in the 80s. Initially diagnosed with Asthma, Donna tried various treatments over the years, until she received a diagnosis of COPD and was referred to Advantage Therapy Centers.

Discovering Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Donna’s pulmonologist recommended pulmonary rehabilitation to improve her symptoms and overall quality of life. In July 2022, Donna started her journey at Advantage Therapy Centers. With a newfound determination to regain control over her life and her health, she embraced the opportunity that pulmonary rehabilitation presented:

“I just decided I was going to take full advantage of the program and see it as an opportunity, if I had the chance to get help and relief from pulmonary rehab, I was going to take it for all it's worth.”

The Power of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Since beginning the pulmonary rehabilitation program, Donna has experienced remarkable improvements in her daily life. Following her final rehab session, Donna shared “Medications I have taken over the years have helped, but I still had bad times with my symptoms. Coming here I feel as normal as I ever have.” Donna’s Increased energy levels have allowed her to complete activities of daily living, such as changing sheets and climbing up and down stairs, with greater ease and reduced breathlessness. “Exercising and increasing my leg strength has taken pressure off of my lungs so that I’m able to do more,” Donna reports. This newfound vitality has made a significant impact on both her physical and mental well-being.

In Donna’s Own Words

During a recent conversation with Donna, she graciously shared her advice and experiences with us. Attending pulmonary rehabilitation sessions regularly and adhering to the program was key to her progress. When asked about her advice for fellow patients, Donna emphasized the importance of consistency and determination:

"Definitely start pulmonary rehab and do the best you can do. Just be determined. If you make the decision to do it, just do it and be consistent. Take advantage of the change to improve how you feel and trust the therapists, they’re here to help and they won’t ask you to do any exercises that you can’t handle."

She highlighted that pulmonary rehabilitation is not merely a short-term solution but rather a lifelong commitment to maintaining one’s health by being more active and applying the techniques learned in the program to everyday tasks:

"I learned I’m never going to be fast, I’m not here to be fast, I’m here to get better. The therapists helped me see that if I do things slower and don’t rush, I can focus more on controlling my breathing. I apply it to everyday things like pausing before I carry my laundry basket up the steps. By practicing the breathing techniques and pacing myself, I have a little more stamina.”

A Source of Inspiration

Donna’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that health challenges need not define us. By embracing the opportunities pulmonary rehabilitation presented, she has taken control of her life and improved her symptoms, leading her to enjoy a higher quality of life. Donna’s experience highlights the importance of therapy and a comprehensive treatment plan in managing chronic pulmonary conditions.

Rehabilitation: Empowering Lives

At Advantage Therapy Centers, patients like Donna find a supportive and motivating environment, led by dedicated healthcare professionals who are committed to patient well-being. The pulmonary rehabilitation program combines personalized treatment plans, exercise routines, education, and emotional support to empower individuals to regain control of their chronic conditions. Donna’s remarkable journey through pulmonary rehabilitation showcases the incredible potential for individuals diagnosed with chronic illness to improve health and well-being. Reflecting on the program, Donna shares that her favorite part “has been the whole process of improving and finding improvements in myself, like my muscle memory and getting my muscles to work with me.” 

Her story serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort, determination, and a positive mindset. If you or a loved one are navigating the complexities of COPD or other respiratory conditions, consider exploring the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation and discover the transformative power it can bring to your life. Remember, it’s never too late to take control and embrace a better, healthier future!

5 COPD Tips for Holiday Dinners

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1. Plan healthy dishes that follow your diet.

Good nutrition helps the body fight infections, keeps muscles strong for breathing, and keeps your bones stronger. Planning your meal based on your diet will help you continue to eat well while enjoying holiday events. Continue to follow or seek dietician recommendations of which foods you should add or avoid. If you are eating at someone else’s house, offer to bring a healthy dish to ensure there is something you can eat if you have dietary restrictions. While eating healthy, you can still enjoy the holiday treats you normally avoid, just start with eating the healthy options and save your not-so-healthy favorites for last. If you start to fill up on healthy food, you naturally eat smaller portions of the rest. Remember to drink plenty of unsweetened fluids with your meal, such as water or tea, to stay hydrated. Hydration helps keep mucus loose so that you can breathe easier.

2. Focus on breathing while you eat.

Eating uses your muscles and organs to break down and digest food. This process consumes oxygen and can increase shortness of breath. Take breaks between bites when you need to catch your breath. One way to help reduce shortness of breath when eating is to choose soft foods. These foods are easier to eat because they require less chewing, which conserves more energy and oxygen. A few soft foods popular at holiday dinners includes mashed & potatoes, yams, sweet potato, macaroni and other noodles, cooked carrots, soup, cooked fruit, casseroles, cranberry sauce, moist fish, and gravy-coated meats.

3. Don’t skip meals to “Save Room” or overeat.

A full stomach pushes against the diaphragm, making it difficult for the lungs to fill with air, which causes discomfort and shortness of breath, so some people plan to skip meals and make up for it later so they “have more room” to try lots of food. However, it can actually make your condition worse! If you have diabetes, skipping a meal can affect your blood sugar levels. If you have COPD, skipping meals leads you to eat too quickly to realize you are full, which takes about 20 minutes. Eating fast also uses energy and oxygen quicker, leaving you feeling drained after the meal. Instead, eat snacks leading up to dinner and savor each bite between chatting with family to give yourself time to feel full. If you want room to try each dish, opt for small portions and start with your favorites.

4. If you are hosting, choose foods that are easy to prepare.

After using all of your energy to cook, you may feel too tired to eat the meal and socialize. Luckily there are a few ways to make holiday dinner easier. One way is to suggest a potluck, which has become more popular at get-togethers. Everyone coming to the event can bring a dish, this distributes the work so that you have more time to rest. You can also prep what you can in the days leading up to dinner, some dishes that are easy to make in advance include casseroles, cooked vegetables, and most desserts. You can also look up recipes with a shorter prep time, which means less time chopping ingredients or hovering over the dish. It is also important to be well-rested before the event. Try to leave some time to relax right before guests arrive, preparing things ahead of time can help with this too!

5. Maintain your sleep and exercise routine.

While you can often get caught up talking with family, your immune health and energy levels depend on a regular sleep schedule and daily exercise. Suggesting a light walk with family after dinner can help you work in exercise. To maintain your sleep schedule, make sure to sleep a full 8 hours the night before, and try to limit drinking alcohol as it can interfere with your sleep quality. Remember to keep an eye on the time during dinner too, so you can call it a night before you miss your regular bedtime. If you are planning the dinner, it can help to set a time range for the event and include it on invites. This helps prepare guests so they already know when to head home.

 

For more information on ways to manage COPD, click here.

5 Snow Shoveling Tips to Help You Prevent Aches and Pains

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Many people describe snow as light and fluffy. However, anyone who has shoveled snow knows that lifting those icy shovelfuls can be heavy and tedious to clear. They may have even experienced a sore lower back or shoulders afterward. Each year there are about 11,500 snow shovel-related injuries treated in emergency rooms. The most common injuries treated are strains, sprains, contusions, abrasions.¹ Shoveling and lifting the snow using the proper technique can help you prevent serious back and shoulder injury. That is why Advantage Therapy Centers has gathered these five tips help protect you and your muscles.

Lift Small Loads of Snow

Lifting large loads of snow is one of the most common shoveling mistakes. While it can be tempting to lift more in order to clear the way faster, the extra weight puts strain on your muscles. If you have been lifting with your back, the stress on your lower back could cause an injury. If you are already lift with your legs, this may lead your body to overcompensate by using your back or shoulders to lift. Instead, take smaller amounts of snow at a time. With less stress to your body, smaller dents in the snow can even get the job done quicker.

Bend Your Knees and Lift With Your Legs

When lifting heavy objects, it is best practice to lift using your hips and knees to absorb the added weight. This technique helps spread the weight across several muscles and your core strength, rather than pulling on the muscles and joints of your back and shoulders. To lift with your legs, keep your back straight and bend your knees and hips to reach down. Then straighten your legs, without twisting, to safely lift. If you are using your back to bend forward, you are not lifting with your legs.

Use The Right Shovel to Help Keep Your Back Straight

Using a shovel that is too short or too long can make proper technique difficult. Too long of a shovel and you may twist to pick up and throw the snow. Too short, and bending your knees low enough to lift without leaning forward is impossible. When choosing the correct shovel, with the blade on the ground, the handle should reach your elbow. It may help to practice the motion of bending and lifting with your knees to ensure your back is kept straight.

Step The Direction You Are Throwing to Avoid Twisting

While lifting, twisting can pull the back out of alignment or cause the next day aches that many experience. Instead, step in the direction you want to throw the snow to keep your lower back from twisting. Pushing the snow, rather than lifting and throwing it, also helps to avoid twisting.

Take Breaks to Walk Around and Stretch Your Back

One of the most important steps to physical work is taking breaks to stretch. Frequently take a break to walk around and extend your back. This can counteract bending you may be doing without noticing. This can also help keep your muscles from being tense for too long, which can help you avoid next day muscle pain.

Do you experience frequent lower back, shoulder, or joint pain? Advantage Therapy Centers has 20 years of experience treating various conditions with physical and occupational therapies. We have three convenient South Jersey locations listed below. Ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for your condition and call 856-840-8008 to schedule an appointment. 

How to Avoid Aches When You Rake

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      Raking leaves can do a number on your back. One of the most common complaints we hear in Physical Therapy is lower back pain from doing yard work, especially in Autumn. The repetitive movements, constant bending, and frequent lifting can cause strain and even injury. There is also a higher risk of falling on slippery, damp leaves this time of year. While raking the yard can leave you exhausted, there are steps you can take to avoid also being in pain. Raking is a workout, you need to use the right equipment, warm-up, and exercise with the right technique to avoid injury.

      Before we get into the tips for raking leaves, we would like to note a few alternative options that may provide less strain. At the top of the list is to avoid raking leaves at all, it is actually better for your yawn and garden! Landscaping experts have recently advised doing no more to the leaves scattering your lawn than to mow them to speed along decomposition. Leaves offer free nutrients for grass and plants as they break down into healthy organic matter for the soil. If you just cannot stand the look of leaves in your yard, find mowing them difficult, or have an H.O.A. that requires this yard upkeep, you can also invest in a leaf blower. While a heavier leaf blower could take a toll for those who already have muscle or back pain, it can prevent those pains for other individuals as long as proper protective straps and gloves are used to evenly distribute the weight. Finally, for anyone with prior conditions or injuries, while yard work could be a great way to stay active, sometimes it may be best to have someone else take care of more strenuous tasks like cleaning up leaves.

      If you do still plan on raking leaves yourself, rather than pursuing any of the other listed methods, we have a few tips you can follow to keep your muscles and back safe:

  • Size– Make sure you choose the rake for your height. If your rake is too short or too long, your posture will adapt to compensate. Maintaining that awkward posture throughout raking will strain back muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
  • Warm-ups– Whenever doing physical activity, it is imperative to warm up your muscles to prevent strain and overexertion. Bend over and touch your toes a few times, twist side to side with your arms out, or try to bend your nose to your knees when seated. These three stretches will prepare your back muscles, preventing injury.
  • Posture– Keep your legs slightly bent, keep your weight directly over your hips and knees, and extend with your arms. Use your arms to rake the leaves, not your back. This can go a long way toward preventing lower back pain.
  • Switch Hands– At least every 15 minutes, switch which hand is on the top and which is on the bottom. This will alternate which side of your body is doing the most work.
  • Mind the Weather– When you rake leaves be sure to choose a dry day and rake with the wind. Wet leaves are slippery, heavier, and a breeding ground for mold. Raking with the wind will lead to less work because it will be easier to gather leaves. Prevent extra effort, allergies, falls, and back pain.

      Now that you are equipped with the right tools for the job, hopefully you can enjoy the movement and physical activity raking brings to your life, without the stress or back pain.

Student Fieldwork

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      Here at Advantage Therapy Centers, we believe in continued growth and learning as the key to achieving the clinical excellence our staff demonstrates. Not only will students learn within our program, but having their fresh perspective helps keep our therapists’ skills fresh and leaves everyone open-minded to new perspectives on how we all can provide quality care. This program is considered an unpaid internship otherwise known as volunteer work that provides the experience and education of treating patients that can only be learned when interacting with them in person.

Which Therapy Specialties Are We Hosting For?

Physical Therapy: For several years, our Director of Physical Therapy Dr. Rocco Gervasi has been taking students in to show them physical therapy firsthand in our unique comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility. Gervasi accepts university students at all levels; undergrad, PTA, DPT, rotation needs at all phases, volunteer work, and internships. Dr. Gervasi shares why he began hosting students for fieldwork at Advantage Therapy Centers, and why he enjoys educating them:

I used to give presentations on balance at the Gibson House Community Center, and ever since that experience I wanted to continue to educate others about physical therapy. I discovered I love to teach.  So, at Advantage, I began hosting students for their fieldwork. It keeps my skills fresh by bringing in new minds and ideas and it helps give back. I am passionate about the psychology involved with treating patients for physical therapy, sharing that point of view with students can change the way they see treatment and ultimately change the game for physical therapy. The goal of fieldwork is always to get students to see what they have not been taught yet; knowledge only gained from interacting with patients during treatment. Fieldwork here requires you to think outside the box to provide quality care for the individual, not just the symptoms.

Occupational Therapy: We are proud to announce that we have just recently started taking in students for OT. Currently hosting the first round of students is our Director of OT Kaltrina Pakucu. Currently we are only hosting level 1 OT students, however we hope to expand this in the future. Pakucu shares her perspective on why she began hosting students for the Occupational Therapy discipline:

I love having students and being able to enhance clinical skills for future therapists! Recently, with the current pandemic, we were hearing that many students were struggling to find placements or that placements had cancelled due to COVID. This made me really want to help. Graduate school can be difficult enough with juggling classes, assignments, and fieldwork. However, now I feel like with everything going on the stress for these students has intensified. The last thing I would want them to worry about is falling behind because a clinical fieldwork site backed out. It was a great idea to take in students for Occupational Therapy. Our patients love interacting with the students and having them in the clinic.

How Long is the Program?

      The program length depends upon the student’s needs. DPT students have rotational rounds in phases that vary in length, and other tract requirements may require more or less time. Some examples of these ranges include six weeks, eight weeks, ten weeks, twelve weeks, and up to three months.

What Will Students Learn?

      In their time here students will learn principles, be quizzed on them, and then apply those principles to the treatment of patients. For Physical Therapy, this always begins with two weeks reading the book “The Divided Mind” by Dr. John E. Sarno to introduce students to neurolinguistics, the psychosomatic elements they may encounter with patients, and how to treat not only the patient’s pain but the patient as a whole. This first step will provide the groundwork for the whole program as students learn bedside manner, gaining patient trust and confidence that motivates them throughout treatment, and how to really listen to patients to understand the problems they are experiencing. This connection with patients is what Gervasi believes truly differentiates expert care and treatment.

      Additionally, Students here for either discipline learn a mix of skills that vary depending on the length of time they will be spending with us. Some of these skills include the main body parts and some conditions treated in Occupational of Physical Therapy, adapting treatment to fit the specific needs and goals of a patient, how to do orthopedic research for metanalysis correlations, blood gases, patient populations, and more. What we feel makes our program so different from others is the communication component in which we teach and practice optimizing patient-practitioner interaction to provide open communication that facilitates quality treatment that everyone is motivated to be a part of.

Which Students Do We Accept?

      We welcome any student who demonstrates an interest in physical therapy or occupational therapy who is part of a related educational tract, demonstrates the ability to value constructive feedback, has a passion for expanding knowledge beyond just the basics, and is genuinely excited to put in the effort to learn what caring for patients is really like. Ideally, we are looking for students that want to change the game and look at physical therapy in a different light. We are currently working with Temple University and Rowan University programs, however, we have hosted students from many other universities as well. Some of these include Stockton, Penn State, and Rutgers.

      If you are interested, please bring our hosting program to the attention of your advisor. We look forward to sharing this unique experience with the students who represent the future of occupational and physical therapy.

What Triggers Fall Allergies, and What Can Help?

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      Any time you shift into a new season, the temperature and natural environment can affect your respiratory system. The most noticeable change for many is when a season brings on a new set of allergens. The most common association with seasonal allergies is the spring increase in pollen, but that does not mean you are in the clear come fall if your symptoms are triggered by spring plants. Fall is also a common season for allergies, as It turns out about 75% of people allergic to spring plants also have reactions to ragweed which is the biggest allergy trigger for fall. Fall is a season loved by many; however, some find the season brings on annoying symptoms that they cannot wait to be done with.

What Triggers Fall Allergies?  

      As mentioned, Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Though it releases pollen in August, it can last through October. For some people who are allergic to ragweed, certain fruits and vegetables can also cause allergy symptoms: sunflower seeds, certain potatoes, cucumber, banana, cantaloupe, zucchini, honeydew, and watermelon. Mold is another fall trigger and can be found both indoors and outside. It may be present all year long, but it thrives and grows in damp piles of leaves during autumn months. Dust Mites are the last fall allergen on this list and are a year-round indoor allergen as well. They typically only thrive indoors; however, they are a seasonal fall allergy because they can get dispersed into the air when you first turn on your heater, making one’s reaction more severe.

What Are Common Allergy Symptoms?

  • Watery itchy or irritated eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Headaches
  • Rashes and hives on the skin
  • Itchy throat
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath (in rare cases)

Are Allergies Harmless?

      In most cases, symptoms are just annoying reactions that can feel like a constant cold, and with methods to relieve symptoms, allergies can have little to no impact on the lives of some individuals.  Therefore some, and maybe even the majority of people, find allergies harmless. But this does not mean they are harmless for everyone. Most otherwise healthy individuals with allergies triggered by the autumn season will not see any major impact on their day to day life, other than an increased risk for upper respiratory and sinus infections. Ongoing allergy symptoms can cause infections due to the congestion allowing viruses or bacteria to remain in the airways for longer. While for some a respiratory or sinus infection can easily be solved after a visit with primary care, for those already dealing with underlying illness allergies can cause more serious complications. Allergies and respiratory infections can cause exacerbations of conditions such as pulmonary disease and asthma. For those with severe cases of pulmonary disease, this leads to hospital admissions or readmissions. Another instance of a severe allergic reaction is when people are allergic and experience asthma symptoms when otherwise they do not experience asthma, this is called allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma. In those cases, people experience symptoms including wheezing and shortness of breath that reduces the intake of oxygen.

How Do You Protect Yourself from Fall Allergens?

      If you are reading this article, you likely want to know ways to protect yourself from allergens in case you or someone you know has been experiencing symptoms. If you think you have been experiencing any of the listed allergy symptoms, you should see your primary care physician for their medical advice on your specific symptoms. They may recommend an allergy test where they see how your skin reacts to each allergen to determine which one is the problem. This is especially helpful as you can then tailor your protective measures to reduce exposure to that specific allergen.

Here are some tips that may help reduce that exposure:

  • Wearing a protective layer of clothing to take off when you come home. This way, allergens you are exposed to only when outside, such as ragweed or in some cases mold, will not continue to trigger your allergies from within the safety of your home. This is an easy and safe tip for the autumn season, as you will likely wear a jacket and other layers as the weather gets colder.
  • If you are allergic to ragweed, spending less time outside and avoiding certain foods that contain ragweed could reduce exposure and symptoms.
  • Dehumidifiers can help reduce dust and mold. Mold and dust mites thrive in damp spaces, so reducing humidity limits the moisture, staving off the growth of those allergens. Dehumidifiers also help clear up mucous secretions faster, which lowers the risk of infection.
  • Air conditioners could help to dry out the air, as cold air is often dry. Having one in your room can help remove moisture from the air as well, though with less regulation than a dehumidifier offers. Make sure any air conditioning filters are kept clean, or else dust mites could disperse and cause worsened symptoms.
  • If you are allergic to dust mites and often have these symptoms more severely in the fall, change out vent filters before first turning on the heat. It can help keep the allergy as manageable as your year-round indoor reactions usually are.
  • Finally, talk to your regular healthcare professional to determine if allergy medication is right for you. While some are sold over the counter, you should always talk to a professional before starting something new to determine if it is the right choice. There may be recommended options tailored more you your symptoms and situation, or a doctor could suggest a prescription for more severe allergies or those who would be more affected by symptoms.

      Fall has so many wonderful things to offer, it is a shame that for some allergies make the season dreadful. We hope this guide helps you better understand the allergens this season brings, and that anyone experiencing allergy symptoms this season finds a way to cope that is specific to their needs.