Lisa M. Cannon M.D

  As countries around the world eagerly await the inoculation of their citizens from any of the COVID-19 vaccines out there, governments still urge everyone to wear face masks and follow social distancing protocols in order to manage the current outbreak. Over time, we have seen different types of face mask products in markets, online ads, and on TV. According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., the type of mask you wear does impact the chances of you contracting the disease. Image source: wsj.com Let’s begin with the most common mask used around the world, the medical mask. Cheap but disposable, medical masks were previously used in medical situations inside a hospital or clinic. But today, they are one of the top choices for face mask users. While it is resistant to fluid and provides wearers protection from large bacterial droplets, it is very constricting. It wasn’t designed for prolonged use so it can get uncomfortable. Image source: the-scientist.com The N95 mask is considered

  Many people struggle with sleep. And when sleep is compromised, many activities throughout the day are almost impossible to complete. For an individual to truly focus on their tasks and be present, good quality sleep is needed. On this blog post, Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares a few ways to positive sleeping habits. Image source: amerisleep.com Sleep and wake at same times . Confusing the body with different wake and sleep times offers no benefit to a person’s body clock. An erratic sleep schedule prevents one from getting proper rest. Say no to long and irregular naps . While power naps can enhance alertness throughout the day, naps that take a bit longer can disturb one’s body clock. Keep naps under thirty minutes for better daytime brain function. Quit the caffeine after 3pm . Consuming caffeine six to eight hours before going to bed messes up sleep as caffeine stimulates the nervous system and can prevent the body from relaxing naturally come nighttime. Take in some

  Obesity is becoming a global health issue that is becoming widespread even in countries beyond the US. Being obese raises a person's chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. explains why being overweight can affect a person's respiratory health.  Image source: Pexels.com When a person carries extra weight and their BMI increases, the lung volume decreases. This causes limited air entry and a lower total lung capacity. Obese individuals can also experience shortness of breath even with minor physical activity. This condition is called exertional dyspnea. According to recent studies, obese and overweight individuals with COPD are more prone to experiencing the effects of the chronic condition leading to frequent hospitalization compared to others. Being obese also affects breathing during sleep. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. says that those with the condition can also develop obstructive sleep apnea syndrome which causes

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the CDC recommends every individual, both sick and healthy, to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many types of face coverings exist, and each one of them has different levels of effectiveness.  Image source: hackensackmeridianhealth.org A person carrying COVID-19 can spread the virus through droplets by sneezing, coughing, and talking, especially when they are not wearing any form of face covering. Face masks are supposed to cover the nose and the mouth in order to block droplets from spreading. Cloth or fabric masks can be washed and reused. However, these get wet and dirty more easily compared to other masks, says Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. Health care professionals and individuals accompanying sick loved ones in the hospital or  other medical facilities are required to wear N95 masks. These masks filter out 95 percent of liquids and particles that have a chance of reaching the mouth and the nose. Some N95 masks are

  As many people are still working from home and limiting their time outdoors, some suffer from erratic sleep patterns. Sleep medicine expert Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares more tips to help people get better sleep quality.  Image source: Unsplash.com Don't associate the bedroom with sleeplessness Sleep experts advise that the bed should be used only for rest and sex. If a person is unable to sleep for at least 20 minutes at the start of their bedtime, specialists like Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., suggest doing a relaxing activity in low light. Thinking about falling asleep might also cause anxiety, so it's best to try not to be conscious of the time but focus on feeling relaxed. Keep a sleep journal When trying new sleep-inducing methods, it is best to write about them in a sleep journal. This will allow one to see if these strategies are being helpful. Other experts meanwhile suggest writing worries and other thoughts down in a journal before bedtime. Lisa M. Cannon, M

  Millions of people all over the world suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. This condition includes shortness of breath, emphysema, and bronchitis. COPD is common among smokers, and many people don't realize that they have the disease until later in life. Pulmonologists suggest that patients see a professional once they have difficulty breathing instead of dismissing it as fatigue or a sign of aging. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., a board-certified pulmonary disease physician from New Jersey, discusses some of the disease's symptoms. Chronic cough and increased production of phlegm A cough that lasts for days, along with greenish phlegm, can be a sign of COPD. The body's reaction to the increased mucus production and other environmental irritants is through coughing. Too much coughing can cause fatigue and discomfort to the body. This is why those with suspected COPD need to consult their doctors to find ways to clear the airways without further