Therapists provide steps to keep seniors breathing easy

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Austin Delacruz Jr.
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As the flu season approaches, senior citizens are even more vulnerable to respiratory problems, including complications from the flu, dangerous forms of pneumonia and conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

"Our seniors need to be on the top of their health; it's this time in life to listen to your body," said Senior Airman Andrew Scherer, 60th Medical Operations Squadron cardiopulmonary technologist and certified respiratory therapist.

According to Airman Scherer, keeping lungs healthy as we age requires some special attention. Luckily, there are steps seniors can take to keep their lungs in proper working order as they age.

Respiratory therapists at David Grant USAF Medical Center 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: The Air Force Base's Health and Wellness Center is a good place to start by calling 424-2187. "Our Tobacco Cessation Program is open to all active duty, dependents and retirees," said Nazlin Huerta, Health and Wellness Center health educator. "We provide one-on-one counseling, cessation classes and prescription drugs like Zyban, Nicoderm and Chantix. Approximately 85 percent of participants were successfully able to quit tobacco use at the end of the program." 

According to Huerta, the HAWC has scheduled its "Great American Smoke Out" until Nov. 30 in an effort to encourage tobacco users to quit smoking and prevent others from starting.

- The next tip is to get an annual influenza shot. These shots are typically offered every year, beginning in October, and are particularly important for older people who are more likely to suffer serious complications from the flu.

- Also receive the pneumonia vaccine, usually given at age 65 or older. "If you are high-risk due to chronic or immunosuppressive condition, you need a prescription from your doctor to receive the pneumonia vaccine prior to 65," said Staff Sgt. Muinda Gueston, DGMC Allergy and Immunization technician. This protects from some of the most deadly forms of the disease. All flu shots and vaccines are offered at the DGMC Allergy and Immunization clinic. For more information, call 423-5104.

- Make an appointment with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned: It may sound odd, but regular cleaning of the teeth and gums by a dentist, coupled with good oral hygiene at home, reduces the risk of pneumonia, according to studies published in the Journal of Periodontology and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. This is because bacteria that develop along the gum line often accumulates in the throat. This can create respiratory problems, such as pneumonia -- especially when your immune system is not performing at an optimal level.

-- Avoid asthma triggers like animal dander, dust mites, molds, pollen, etc.

-- Take your prescription medications on a daily routine: Do this according to your doctor's instruction. However, it is very important to pay close attention to how your body reacts to those medications and notify your doctor immediately in case of adverse effects.

-- Make dietary changes to keep your weight in check: Get regular exercise to keep your lungs -- and the rest of your body -- in good working order. "If seniors will follow these guidelines they can see remarkable improvement and lung health benefits such as additional years and better quality of life," explained Airman Scherer.

-- For more information, contact DGMC's cardiopulmonary laboratory/respiratory therapy department at 423-5112, or the HAWC at 424-2187.