Simple Steps Keep Seniors Breathing Easy, Say Respiratory Therapists 

For Immediate Release

IRVING, TX (September 24, 2005) — A good set of lungs is one thing everyone needs, but respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) say keeping lungs healthy as we get older requires some special attention.

That's because seniors are especially vulnerable to respiratory problems, including complications from the flu, dangerous forms of pneumonia, and chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

Luckily, there are steps seniors can take to keep their lungs in proper working order as they age. The first — and most important — is to quit smoking if you're a smoker.

“ Quitting at any age will pay off, in additional years of life and better quality of life,” says Helen Sorenson, MA, RRT, FAARC, professor of respiratory care at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and chair of the AARC's Geriatrics Committee . “No matter how old you are or your state of health, becoming tobacco free will provide immediate improvement in your health.” 

There are lots of ways to quit, but among the best are programs that incorporate counseling with proven treatments like nicotine replacement therapy, continues the registered respiratory therapist. These programs — some of which may now be covered by Medicare through its new smoking cessation counseling benefit — provide smokers with the incentives they need to kick the habit.

There are even programs especially designed to meet the needs of older people who may not be able to leave their homes with ease. “The use of telephone counseling appears promising with older smokers, in particular those who have mobility/transportation issues,” says Sorenson.

Seniors can also protect their respiratory health by getting an annual flu shot and the pneumonia vaccine. “The virus that causes the flu often changes from year to year, so the CDC develops a new vaccine for adults each year,” says Sorenson. 

The pneumonia vaccine protects against the most deadly forms of the disease and usually only needs to be given one time — unless you received the shot before age 65, in which case a booster shot may be necessary.

Pulmonary screenings and lifestyle changes can keep everyone breathing easy as well. “Basic pulmonary screening, which measures how much air you can blow out and how fast you can blow the air out, provide very useful information for physicians,” says Sorenson. The tests, she continues, are often offered at local pharmacies, including Walgreens.

Getting regular exercise and eating right are important too. Sorenson says portion control is probably the best tactic for keeping weight down as we age, though she advises those with chronic conditions to check with their doctors before making any dietary changes.

As for exercise, she says just get out there and do something you enjoy. “Regular exercise that is fun, like walking the dog, tending a flower garden, or participating in a sport, is often the most successful way to add additional activity.”

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are specially trained and licensed respiratory health care professionals assisting physicians in diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory diseases. RTs provide care in hospitals, outpatient centers, physicians' offices, skilled nursing facilities, and patients' homes.

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is a not-for-profit, professional organization, consisting of 37,000 respiratory therapists, physicians, and other health care professionals. AARC is dedicated to assisting persons with respiratory diseases receive safe and effective respiratory care.

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Contact: Beth Binkley
Binkley@aarc.org
American Association For Respiratory Care
9425 N MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100 , Irving , TX 75063
972-406-4657, 972-243-2272

  

Good Lung Health Despite Your Age

Respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) offer the following tips to help seniors avoid respiratory problems as they get older:

• If you smoke, find a smoking cessation program in your area to help you quit, and check with Medicare to see if they will cover the program under their new smoking cessation counseling benefit.
• Get an annual influenza shot. These shots are usually offered every year beginning in October and are particularly important for older people, who are more likely to suffer serious complications from the flu.
• Receive the one-time pneumonia vaccine, which is usually given at age 65 or older. This protects you from some of the most deadly forms of the disease.
• Make dietary changes to keep your weight in check.
• Get regular exercise to keep your lungs — and the rest of your body as well — in good working order.

For more information on good lung health at any age, visit the AARC's consumer web site, www.YourLungHealth.org .