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← Return to Repost: Sitting is the New Smoking
Newsfeed PostNewsfeed Post in blog Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Repost: Sitting is the New Smoking Mar 31, 2021 | By Dr. Melanie Chandler, HABIT FL Director (@drmelaniechandler)Comment receiving replies
@sueinmn. This is a great article, and I really appreciate your comments. They nudged me to get going with being more active a few minutes at a time and building up from there. I get winded from climbing a flight of stairs (paralyzed diaphragm) and have been reluctant to even start using the exercise thing I got for fear a few minutes at a time wouldn't be worthwhile and I'd wear myself out if I tried more. I've found your posts across different threads to be so kind, comforting, informative, and encouraging, even though you are going through some extremely difficult times yourself. I'm really sorry about that and so admire your spirit and ability to help others as you are dealing with serious health challenges yourself. In our quest to take things a day at a time, I hope this is a good day for you. Thanks and best wishes, Nancy
Replies to "@sueinmn. This is a great article, and I really appreciate your comments. They nudged me to..."
In reply to @nia4625 . So pleased Nancy that you felt the nudge. Yes a few minutes of exercise at a time is worthwhile and will help. As you become stronger try to avoid exercising while lying on your back or in a seated position. Your lung capacity is slightly decreased in these positions. The Chinese proverb " A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". Keep reminding yourself of this.We look forward to hearing about your journey.
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Nancy - Give yourself a pat on the back! Trying to exercise with physical challenges is hard, but if you take your "baby steps" you'll find it worthwhile. Maybe your brain & lungs can work together to "overcome" the effect of your paralyzed diaphragm? Have you had any PT or OT to help you?
The body is an amazing "machine" and you may find that by pushing a little at a time, your endurance will improve.
I compare it to a person with a brain injury - if one part of brain is damaged, you can challenge another part to take over (at least part of) the function. So it is with my lungs - I have part that is damaged, so I work to strengthen the rest to increase breathing capacity - now I can jog along with my little grandson for a block or more - 3 years ago this month I could barely walk from my little house in Texas to the clubhouse 150 feet away.
Good luck.
Sue