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Preventing deterioration of chronic respiratory diseases |
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In the unusual state following a disaster, environmental conditions as well as your physical and mental conditions can easily change, which may result in the deterioration of your diseases. Take care of yourself to prevent your disease from getting worse.
Adjust your living conditions
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1) Take greater care to cope with the cold and heat
Exposure to intense heat and cold can cause you to tire easily and catch a cold, worsening your disease.
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When you are cold, wear socks, put on many layers of clothing, or add another blanket, so you don't let yourself get cold. |
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When it's a hotday, refrain from going out during the day, and put on a hat to avoid direct sunlight. |
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2) Protect yourself from catching a cold
A cold can easily spread among people when living in a group. After a disaster, due to overwork and deterioration of your nutritional state, your immune strength may be weakened, therefore making you more susceptible to colds.
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Wear a mask, gargle, and wash your hands. |
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Take your temperature as needed. |
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During the winter season, we recommend that you get a vaccination against influenza, if possible. |
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3) Take care to prevent dust, molds, and mites
Dust, molds and mites will affect the respiratory organs.
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Use a mask and/or handkerchief so as not to inhale dust and dirt. |
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If you cannot air out your futons, the bedclothes will get damp, producing favorable conditions for molds and mites to grow. To prevent this, you should be careful to keep your bedding clean and sanitary. |
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4) Keep a regular rhythm in your daily life
Maintaining a regular rhythm in our daily life will encourage your inherent restorative capacity to work appropriately. After a disaster occurs, your daily rhythm can be easily disturbed because of a lack of sleep and/or overwork due to changes in your living environment and busyness.
* Try to take moderate exercise and get proper rest.
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5) Make use of the consultation services provided by the local government.
After a disaster occurs, you will experience some inconveniences because of changes in your daily living.
Are there any problems with steps or the toilet in the housing?
Is the shopping place located far away?
Do you overwork yourself without realizing it?
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You should make use of the consultation services available in your local community, in addition to the support of your family. |
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Pay attention to your nutritional balance
After a disaster occurs, it will be difficult to maintain a well-balanced diet. However, to prevent your disease from getting worse, you should pay attention to nutritional balance.
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After a disaster, it's common to take in too many carbohydrates from rice, etc., but try to eat some meat or other protein-rich foods. Protein will improve the functions of muscles necessary for breathing. |
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To avoid dehydration, be sure to drink adequate fluids as needed. |
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Don't let stress build up
Stress is caused by changes in your living environment due to damage to your housing, injury, illness, or change of address. To prevent stress, we often say "keep a tranquil mind," "relaxation is important," "take it easy," and so on. People with chronic respiratory diseases may suffer far greater stress than those without, because of anxiety about daily life and concern over whether or not they will receive proper treatment. To reduce stress, it is important to take the following countermeasures.
* Talk about your stress with your family, neighbors or other people you can trust.
* Consult your physician, nurse, public health nurse, or other healthcare professionals.
* Participate in community center activities and regional events.
* Enjoy reading books and other hobbies for relaxation during leisure times.
However, you should not become engrossed in gambling nor indulge in drinking to reduce your stress. As well, we don't recommend thrill-seeking activities or avoiding contact with other people as ways to relieve stress. These behaviors could adversely affect your physical condition, leading to aggravation of your disease.
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Preventing deterioration of chronic respiratory diseases
