This year has been a uniquely challenging one. For most of us, life has been far from normal. As we look towards the days growing longer and warmer and the prospect of restrictions lifting to allow us to go on holidays and catch up with family, some of us may find we become more lax with managing our condition.
Here are our tips to help keep you well and ensure your health and wellbeing is your top priority in the months ahead. Remember, practising good hygiene and maintaining social distancing measures are important to continue to protect yourself and control the spread of COVID-19.
Preparation is key
It’s important to plan ahead to ensure you have sufficient medications on hand during the holiday closures. It’s also a great time to ask your doctor for a written action plan or to review and update your existing action plan with your treating healthcare team so you can recognise any changes in your condition and you know what actions to take.
Keep cool and hydrated
As temperatures rise and the wet season approaches, it’s common for people living with a lung condition to experience a flare-up of their symptoms including increased breathlessness. Stay hydrated and keep
out of the sun as much as you can. With bushfires more likely at this time of the year, it’s also important to avoid exposure to smoke and haze wherever possible.
Take it easy
Remember to prioritise your health and wellbeing. Assess how you’re feeling each night before deciding your plan for the next day. Avoid cramming your days full of activities so you’re not left feeling fatigued and rundown. Spacing out your activities and allowing for down time is really important!
Keep a routine
It’s easy to let healthy diet and exercise habits fall by the wayside during the festive season. Try to move your body each day and nourish it with healthy and enriched foods. You can still enjoy a few holiday treats while maintaining a healthy routine. Remember, everything in moderation.
Stay connected
No matter how you’re spending your time these holidays, it’s important to stay connected with your loved ones. If you can’t be with them, use technology, such as a video calling apps, to keep in touch. It can help to schedule regular times to catch up, like you would if you were meeting in person, and space them out so you can look forward to speaking to someone each day.
Zucchini slice
Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- Freshly ground or cracked black pepper
- 1 large zucchini, grated
- 400g peeled and grated carrot, sweet potato or pumpkin
- 1½ cups drained canned corn kernels or frozen peas
- 1 medium brown onion, peeled and diced
- 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs
- 3/4 cup wholemeal self-raising flour
- 1 cup reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese
- Olive or canola oil spray
- 3 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
Method
- Preheat oven to 200°C (180 C fan forced).
- Whisk eggs in a medium jug, season with black pepper and set aside.
- In a large bowl combine remaining ingredients except tomato. Add eggs and stir mixture until well combined.
- Spray a large baking dish with oil. Pour in zucchini mix and flatten with a spoon. Cover with tomato slices arranged in a single layer.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until firm and golden brown.
- Rest in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into 6 slices.
- Serve with a green side salad.
Handy hint: This is a great option to keep in the freezer for days when you’re busy or not up to cooking. When you’re feeling energised, prepare and cook a double batch – some for now, some for later.
Source: Queensland Government
To find out more about any of our top tips and to access free, downloadable resources and expert information, visit lungfoundation.com.au or free call 1800 654 301.