Consider these tips for better sleep even with asthma

Daytime can be easy for people with asthma. However, the night offers a different scenario. Nocturnal asthma can have people coughing, wheezing, and experiencing shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, which can all prevent one from enjoying quality sleep.

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Some people are vulnerable to asthma triggers such as dust mites, allergens, and temperature changes at night. Also, lying flat on the back worsens post-nasal drip, another trigger for an asthma attack. To ensure these external factors for nocturnal asthma are addressed, clean the bedroom before hitting the sack, suggests Dr. Lisa M. Cannon. Though it can be tempting to head straight to bed without minding the sleep environment, minimizing the risk of being exposed to dust mites ensures improved air quality before sleeping.

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Wash the sheets weekly. If possible, wash and beddings and blankets in hot water once per week to kill most allergens and dust mites. Dry the sheets using the hottest drying option possible. Avoid covering the bed with damp sheets, as doing this can encourage molds and mildew to grow. Animal dander, pollen, and dust mites may enter through the window. Close the window if possible but ensure proper ventilation to prevent the air from being stale.

Dry air is any asthmatics enemy. According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, it would be helpful to use both a humidifier and an air purifier to prevent sore throat and post-nasal drip in the morning. Elevate the upper body to avoid post-nasal drip that may lead to an asthma attack.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon earned her medical degree from New York College of Medicine and her fellowship in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine from Mount Sinai Hospital. For more updates like this, visit this blog.

The significance of sleep for pregnant women

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon cannot emphasize enough the importance of sleep to a person’s overall health. A lot of health issues arise from the lack of sleep, which can lead to more serious problems, especially from pregnant women. For today, Lisa M. Cannon discusses ways that pregnant women can get some well-needed sleep at night.

List which food should be avoided.

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For dinner, a lot of doctors recommend against caffeinated food and beverages, as well as spicy dishes for pregnant women. While these can prevent people from sleeping altogether, they also result in acid reflux and indigestion, which pregnant women are already prone to.

Limit food and drink intake before bed.

Lisa M. Cannon advises pregnant women to eat lighter meals two to three hours before bed time. And while plenty of water is always a plus, it should be limited before going to sleep, so as to keep pregnant women from waking up to urinate.

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Make the bed as comfortable as possible.

Pregnant women oftentimes face challenges when finding a comfortable spot to lie in bed. Pillows can be useful for supporting the tummy and back. Put a pillow between the legs, too, which can help support the lower back and make sleeping on the side easier. Some ideal types are the wedge-shaped pillow and the full-length body pillow.

Don’t stress over the little things.

It’s a lot easier said than done, especially for pregnant women, but Lisa M. Cannon urges them to learn to let the little things go. If that’s not possible, they can talk to friends, family members, or professionals who can listen and lend advice. This goes a long way when trying to get a good night’s sleep.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a New Jersey-based physician. She earned her degree in medicine from New York City College and her fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine from the renowned Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Learn more about her practice on this website.

The basics of disease prevention: The airborne chapter

According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, the spread of airborne diseases is arguably the main public concern in today’s world, one that is struggling with a global health crisis. Airborne diseases are incredibly formidable since they can easily be passed on from one person to another without them knowing it. And in line with the adage “an ounce of prevention is better than tons of cure,” Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares with everyone important pointers how people can avoid getting and spreading airborne diseases.

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1. Knowledge

Being aware of the existence of a problem is the first step in solving it. For airborne diseases, people need to know more about them. They may come in the form of tuberculosis, influenza, or whooping cough. Knowing the signs and symptoms is half of the solution.

2. Avoidance

Now that a person knows the signs and symptoms, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon mentions that it is easier to avoid physical contact with coughing, runny nose, fever, fatigue, and sore throat. She also notes that people who have these symptoms should also avoid physical interactions with others.

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3. Masks

Droplets from airborne diseases are mostly expelled into the air from either the mouth or the nose. This is why wearing a protective mask is very important. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon mentions that medical masks such as the N95 respirator are ideal for this situation.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon graduated from New York Medical College in 1991 and completed her pulmonary fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. She was affiliated with Pascack Valley Hospital and the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Dr. Cannon has since focused on her private practice in New Jersey. For more insightful reads on health, visit this blog.

Post-pandemic living: On breathing through a mask

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While the rolling out of vaccines has started across the globe, there is no telling when people will have to toss their face masks. Almost a year into the pandemic, some are still not used to wearing a mask when outside their homes. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares in this blog how to breathe better with and through a mask.

Practice at home. The thought of wearing a mask or face covering at home seems silly, but that’s one of the best ways to get used to the wearing one for most of the day. An individual must learn to be mindful of how they breathe when wearing a face cover, so they can pace themselves better when partaking in activities.

People who have respiratory problems, even those who might feel lightheaded after a few hours of wearing a mask, may take breathing breaks. Be sure to be in a safe space before taking off the mask. Shoulder shrugs, arm stretches, arm circles, torso twists, and bending allow for the upper chest and shoulders to relax after hours of wearing a snug face cover. In a safe place or one’s personal vehicle, try to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

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According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, proper posture allows the lungs to expand, helping one breathe better even with a mask or face covering on. During workouts, only take off masks and hydrate when away from others. It would be best to decrease the intensity of the workout when exercising in public places to prevent breathing issues.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a pulmonologist with more than 15 years of experience in her field. She earned her medical degree from New York College of Medicine and her fellowship in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine from Mount Sinai Hospital. For more updates from Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, head over to this page.

The undeniable link between exercise and lung health

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Individuals who suffer from chronic lung disease always think of ways to improve their lung function. However, some of them shudder in the idea of working towards the goal as this may include exercising and exerting much effort in order to increase lung capacity.

For many, it can be tempting to skip working out as they could feel overworked or out of breath. Although, it is important to note that not taking care of the body through regular exercise can make daily activities much harder over time. Exercise works the heart and the lungs, which are two of the most integral organs of the body, says Dr. Lisa M. Cannon. The lungs are tasked to bring oxygen into the body, while the heart is in charge of pumping oxygen to the muscles.

Regular exercise results in better oxygen delivery and smoother blood flow, causing the body to function at higher levels. Simple activities such as walking to the doorstep, taking a shower, and playing with kids can become much easier for individuals who exercise regularly. While lung function can’t be improved, an individual can improve their lung capacity by five to fifteen percent by doing aerobic exercises.

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Dr. Lisa M. Cannon reminds COPD patients and those without COPD to consult with their physicians first before starting strenuous workouts. Regardless of one’s medical history, regular exercise that includes aerobic and weight-lifting exercises should always be a part of their lifestyle as it reduces a person’s risk of serious illnesses.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a board-certified specialist in pulmonary disease, critical care, and internal medicine. To give her patients the best service, she completed her Master’s in Public Health from NYU Wagner School of Public Service. For more updates from Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, head over to this page.

Improve home air quality with these tips

With the majority still sheltering from home, the focus has been making it a healthier and safer place for residents. One of the best ways to ensure well-being is by improving the air quality at home. Pulmonary care specialist Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares these tips to keep the home from potentially harmful pollutants.

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No smoking indoors

Recent studies show that there is a thing called thirdhand smoke. These are potential carcinogens from tobacco smoke particles that mix with gases in the air or absorbed into common surfaces like rugs, curtains, clothes, walls, and many others. Making the home a no-smoking zone lessens secondhand and thirdhand smoke, clearing the air by a considerable percentage. For those living with smokers, requesting them to take their cigarette breaks outdoors might be a better alternative if they’re not yet ready to quit.

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Clean more often

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon says that one of the most effective ways to improve air quality is to clean more often. Keeping surfaces, corners, and furniture clean will prevent the buildup of dust, dander, dust mites, and other allergens that can trigger illness. Experts also suggest choosing cleaning materials that are mild and produce fewer fumes.

Improve ventilation

Installing high-grade filters for air-conditioning, opening windows regularly, changing the curtains, and adding fans are some of the simple ways to promote better ventilation at home. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon says that ensuring good air circulation will prevent harmful particles from accumulating at home.

Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., is a board-certified pulmonary disease and critical care physician with a private practice in Bergen County, New Jersey. For more reads on health and medicine, visit this page.

Snack on these: Foods that promote sleep

Even before the pandemic, sleep had already been a challenge to many. Now that there is almost no distinction between work and rest, some find it more difficult to go to bed and clock in the recommended hours for sleep. Snacking on these foods might just help correct one’s circadian rhythm.

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Walnuts are packed with nutrients that help promote sleep such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and folate. High in melatonin, walnuts have been linked to improving sleep, says Dr. Lisa M. Cannon. Yogurt, another food rich in calcium, helps process amino acids and hormones such as tryptophan and melatonin, both known to aid sleep. Right along the alley of calcium-rich foods is kale, which helps sleep hormones becoming more effective.

With a high glycemic index, white rice offers a natural increase in insulin and blood sugar levels, helping tryptophan work in one’s brain with speed. Poultry such as chicken and turkey contain tryptophan, an amino acid known to help the body produce serotonin and melatonin. Honey maintains the kind of glucose that reduces orexin, a neurotransmitter that aids alertness. Snacking on bananas during the day can help keep one in bed all through the night as the fruit contains potassium, tryptophan, and magnesium.

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Dr. Lisa M. Cannon mentions that lettuce and lettuce seed oil promote sleep due to their n-butanol fraction, particularly in lactucin, a compound it carries. For some sweet treats, consider snacking on cherries as the fruit is high in sleep-regulating compounds such as serotonin, tryptophan, melatonin, and potassium.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a pulmonologist with more than 15 years of experience in her field. Her passion for pulmonology and critical care led her to her own medical practice in New Jersey. She earned her medical degree from New York College of Medicine and fellowship in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease, and critical care from Mount Sinai Hospital. For more updates from Dr. Cannon, head over to this blog.

Can a better diet improve sleep?

Sleep and nutrition are two elements that determine a person’s overall health.
While sleep isn’t rocket science, it sure is a challenge to get a good night’s rest on a regular basis. And when it comes to eating, avoiding certain foods can be tricky. In this blog post, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares her thoughts on the connection between diet and sleep.

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Diet and sleep go together, affecting one another in many different ways. At first, some people may find alcohol beneficial to their sleep. As alcohol begins to wear off, it can disrupt a person’s sleep, waking them up during restorative and crucial phases of their shuteye. Consuming alcohol may also worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Regular alcohol consumption increases a person’s risk of sleepwalking and sleep talking, and may even lead to the development of memory issues.

One of the common causes of heartburn is eating spicy foods. When a person lies down, acid reflux may worsen. In addition, red pepper may increase the body’s core temperature which should be dropping when a person sets to sleep. It would be best to consume foods that are spicy and acidic three hours before heading to bed. This can prevent heartburn and acid reflux during bedtime.

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According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, eating breakfast keeps the circadian rhythm in check. To establish better sleep-wake cycle, eat breakfast. Avoid indulging late at night. The body is not ready to digest heavy meals consumed a few hours before bed. Make dinner light to aid sleep schedule. Cut down on caffeine and nicotine for a restful shuteye.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a board-certified physician residing in New Jersey. For more than 15 years, she has been specializing in critical care, pulmonary medicine, and sleep medicine. Follow her on Twitter for quick updates.

Consider these tips to stop insomnia in its tracks

Temporary insomnia can be characterized by poor sleep quality that can last from a night to several weeks. Not getting proper sleep has many disadvantages, and people who have insomnia know all too well the discomfort of waking up frequently, feeling restless in bed, and not falling asleep at all. In this blog post, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares a few tips to avoid insomnia.

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Exercise. Some experts believe that working out at around 6 in the evening can get one in bed at the right time, as compared to exercising too close to bedtime. Regardless of whether one works out in the morning or evening, regular exercise helps regulate sleep and wake times. If possible, skip naps. While taking a nap in the middle of the day can be tempting, an afternoon shuteye can prevent one from falling asleep early at night.

Make dinner light. Eating heavy at night can throw one off their sleep schedule or disrupt their sleep. Take work outside the bedroom. Mixing activities in the bedroom can be confusing to the brain as it may associate the bed for work instead of sleep.

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Stay off caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine hours before going to bed. These three can disrupt sleep, which can lead to insomnia or worsen it. Remember to wind down to get the body to sleep mode. Spending at least an hour to relax by reading, listening to music, or meditating before hitting the sack can help the body get to sleep easily.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon obtained her medical degree from New York College of Medicine and her fellowship in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine from Mount Sinai Hospital. For more updates, visit this page.

COVID-19 and respiratory health: A guide to wearing face masks

In nearly all parts of the world, people are required to wear face masks when in public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the new normal, wearing face masks prevents one from spreading or catching the sticky virus.

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Individuals who have chronic respiratory problems may find themselves in a tough spot, having to wear face masks when they already need help to breathe properly. Patients with respiratory problems risk catching the virus should they not wear a mask. With masks on, they might suffer from shortness of breath or have an asthma attack. Pulmonologist Dr. Lisa M. Cannon says nobody is exempt from wearing masks when heading to public areas. If wearing a face mask poses a great threat to one’s health, it would be best for them to forego leaving their homes to keep others safe.

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Some individuals with respiratory health issues may still need to go to public places. It is important to know that getting enough air should still be their priority. Wearing a cloth face mask in public offers enough protection from the threats of the virus, along with strict physical distancing. Lung patients must avoid wearing N95 masks. While offering the most effective protection against the virus, it’s difficult to breathe through an N95 mask, says Dr. Lisa M. Cannon.

Practice wearing cloth face masks at home in order to get used to the sensation. Make trips to public areas such as grocery stores, malls, parks, and others as quick as possible. Remember to regularly wash hands with soap and sanitize used cloth face masks in order to keep hands and belongings clean.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a pulmonologist with 15 years of experience in her field. Her passion for pulmonology and critical care led her to her own medical practice in New Jersey. For more updates, visit this page.