Spring Into Action!

By Kiara Tatum

With warmer temps here, it finally feels like spring in the air.  Keeping that in mind, it’s time to get outside and spring into action.  It’s not easy for young adults with pulmonary hypertension to do a lot of outdoor activities because of the limitations that our bodies have.  We can’t run or jog 10 miles a day or swim laps.  Here are some tips that might help you get started to getting active this spring.

1. Before you start any exercise or activity program, consult with your pulmonary hypertension specialist.
2. Start slow.  Begin with a short distance and short sessions.  Start walking, riding a bike, or whatever chosen outdoor activity for about 10 minutes per day, at least three times a week, and close to home.  Once you notice that you are able to endure that without becoming too short of breathe for you, then increase your days and distance or time you do that activity.  Then maybe by the end of the summer, you will be able to take a nice long hike or ride on a bike trail.
3. Be prepared.  Make sure that you have bottled water with you or access to clean water, wear sport socks and appropriate sneakers, and lightweight clothing.
4. Don’t be ashamed to rest.  If you are doing an outdoor activity, and you feel yourself becoming short of breathe, dizzy, heart palpitations; then just stop and rest.  It’s nothing that you should be ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to do.  Your body has limitations, and because of your PH diagnosis can’t always push yourself on.
   
5. Pay attention to the temperature and humidity.  Don’t do an outdoor activity if the temperature and/or humidity is too high.  It’s harder to breathe in the humid weather for those with pulmonary hypertension or other lung illnesses.  
6. Don’t do it alone.  Sometimes what’s great is to have a friend, family member, or even your dog tag along with you.  Just remember that you need to set the pace for the walk, hike, bike ride, or whatever chosen outdoor activity.

Whatever outdoor activity you choose—walking, bike riding, etc., enjoy it and have fun!  It feels so good to be able to be outdoors and enjoy the warm fresh air.

Depression and PH

Depression is a battle many people with Pulmonary Hypertension and other chronic illnesses have to face from time to time.  Living with chronic medical conditions puts strain on a person not only physically, but emotionally, spiritually, socially, financially, and cognitively. This can be very overwhelming if not addressed.

Find the Source

First, we must step back and as clearly as possible examine what could be causing our depression.  What is the root of our emotional pain?  Medications and their side effects can cause depression.  There are some medicines that cause pain that could be making the depression set in or the medication itself causing emotional imbalances.  I like to not only read the side effects of new medications from the pharmacy, but also look up the medicine online.  My favorite website is www.webmd.com , but keep in mind everything you read online (even a reputable source) may have misleading/scary information.  Also, discuss what you are feeling to your doctor.  He/She may know the source and can help you better cope with the cause of your depression, whether it is medication side effects, pain management or another source.

Reach Out and Talk It Out

When I was depressed I wanted to just stay in bed with my head covered and block the whole world out.  Some days I cry very easily.  At first it was hard to open up about how I was feeling, but after I started to talk about it I started feeling better.  There are different ways and people you can reach out and talk to about your feelings:  close family and friends, PH support groups and mentors, and counselors.  I have my husband to talk to, but my mom lives far from me so I call and email her.  I have also attended support groups and counseling.  Often, I communicate with my mentors about certain issues that may arise or just to talk to a friend.  That constant communication helps me cope and provide clarity about what is stirring on inside my mind.  A couple links to PH mentors are http://www.phassociation.org/Mentors and http://peernetwork.net/.

In Addition…

There are other ways to help with depression or even preventing from getting depressed although it does sneak up on you sometimes:

• Get involved with volunteering, clubs/organizations (like a book club), or use your special talents to help others
• Meditate on positive messages, such as Bible verses, quotes, or proverbs
• Journal-- writing it out is another way I found of releasing my feelings
• Relieve stress by making lists, delegating responsibilities, using planners and alarms
• Talk to your doctor about medication for depression
• Get out, not just seeing the doctor, getting your labs done, or going to work, but to have fun!

Living with PH and other chronic illnesses can be overpowering at times.  I don’t want it to rule my life and I don’t want it to rule yours.  If you have any other ways you cope with depression please share so we may help and uplift each other.

May peace be with you,

Shawna

Calling All GenHope!

The weather is not quite the spring weather that we expected on the Northeast region, but spring is definitely here.  This means that World Pulmonary Hypertension Day is just around the corner on May 5.  I’m calling all young adults to take action this year and participate in this worldwide event.

Pulmonary Hypertension can affect anyone.  It doesn’t care about your age, sex, race, or even your social class.  That’s why we need to show the world what PH really looks like on World PH Day.  PH Association is organizing an online awareness event via Twitter, Facebook, email, blogs, etc.  So all you have to do is share a photo of yourself with the World Pulmonary Hypertension Day logo and a message you want everyone to hear about the impact of PH in your life.   Share information about PH and your own experience with it for the Online Awareness Day Event.

Let’s put a real face to an invisible disease this year!