Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
So, anyone that says they love to exercise every day, after the age of 40, is full of baloney. LOL Well, to a point.
I know there are some, but to say you love it. Maybe a hobby, like biking, hiking, running, or swimming. But going to a gym and exercising, nah, I don’t think so. 😊
The truth of the matter is we all need to do some form of exercising each day.
When I was working, I did try and get to the gym each morning and workout for about an hour before work. I knew that if I didn’t, by the time I got home it wasn’t going to happen. It became a habit, but to say I loved it. No.
I did like how I felt, and I did like being about to keep my weight in check and eat favorably and cheat a little too. 😊
Five years ago, when I got sick, I wondered if I’d ever get out of bed again but missed the chance to exercise then. You don’t always miss something until you can’t do it.
Being on a ventilator for 14 days can put a rather brutal beating on your body. I lost over 45 pounds and tremendous muscle mass. I never knew what being weak was until I experienced those days firsthand.
I started rehabbing a little in the hospital, but not until I got to Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) did I begin to exercise again. But it went very slowly. I had to learn to do some things all over again.
It took six weeks to get accepted in pulmonary therapy (PT) after my release from the hospital and LTAC. I was still considered too sick and I required too much oxygen to exercise.
After numerous phone calls and conversations, one of my doctors came to my hall walk and I was accepted into the program.
I started with a 15 Liters rebreather mask. I was so happy to get back to exercising again. Each session got easier, and my oxygen needs started to decrease a bit.
I still need 6 Liters or above to exercise today, but that’s ok. We do what we can do, right?
So, are you doing some exercising as well?
Have you considering purchasing a pedometer and/or a watch that counts your steps every day?
It has become a game for me. I need to get my steps in. Hoo-rah!!!
On the bike at PT, it gets strapped to the equipment arm or my ankle. Need to get those steps counted. Even on days when I’m not feeling the best, I still get some steps in. It is a reward for me for trying to exercise. Doing my part is an essential part of this journey we are on.
How many steps should you take a day? According to a 2011 study, How many steps/day are enough? for adults published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, found that healthy adults can take anywhere between approximately 4,000 and 18,000 steps/day, and that 10,000 steps/day is a reasonable target for healthy adults. And it appears it hasn’t changed much from these recommendations today.
So, for those of us who consider ourselves a bit compromised in the health department, we obviously shoot for less. My goal is 5,000 plus steps a day. Talk to your doctor about what exercise is appropriate for you – walking is easy and that might be just right for you.
Here is something to try. I know my grocery stores in my area rather well and they know me. What does that tell you? LOL
So, knowing the lay-out and having my grocery list, I don’t organize it like
I used to. Meaning, whatever is on the list next, I go get it. Even if the pickles are right in front of me and they are next on the list. I know you are asking yourself, “Bob, are you crazy?” Of course, I am, but that is beside the point. 😊
You get your steps in. I’m also not on a time schedule like I used to be. Obviously, I save my shopping for days when really nothing else is planned.
I can socialize, and talk with many of the clerks. At first when I started getting my steps in at the grocery store many would come and say, “Can I help you find something? You seem a bit lost.” No smart reply needed, I just said, “No thank you, I’m ok but thanks for asking.”
After time they got to know what I was doing and they say, “Hi Bob, you good?” I would answer, “Yes, and thank you!”
Once the weather breaks, walks outside and fresh air, I know how many steps I can get in based on different distances in the neighborhood.
At some of my talks people say, “Bob, this seems a bit overboard.”
I like more satisfying instead.
Like I stated earlier, who really likes to exercise? Truly, it is much more interesting for those of us who have more time to make it a game with a little challenge makes it more fun.
I don’t know about you, but anything I can concentrate on that isn’t about oxygen, lung damage, or sitting around I want to keep doing it until I can’t any longer!
My friends, keep the faith, keep the attitude, keep pushing yourself, to be better every day.
Most importantly never lose hope!!!
Till next time!
#laugheveryday
#touchaheart
#breathe-easy
Love you all,
Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 16-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and a transportable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-800-482-2473 to talk to an oxygen advisor. The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.
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