Lisa M. Cannon M.D

  For healthy people, getting quality sleep at night is already a challenge. For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, the case is the same but much worse. Often marked with difficulty in breathing, coughing, and wheezing, the pain caused by COPD symptoms may prevent one from getting a good night's sleep. Image source: sclerodermanwes.com Every time symptoms persist, people are advised to consult with their doctor to receive proper treatment. According to Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., for those with COPD, side effects can wake one up at night, making it best for them to speak with their doctor before making any treatment adjustments. Sleeping can be tricky for the lungs, especially when the body isn't positioned properly. Slightly adjust one's sleeping position, with the head slightly higher than the body to prevent acid reflux. Image source: bioinfromant.com Anyone who seeks to have a quality sleep at night knows not to nap during the day. Naps longer th...

  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 conside...

  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 s...

  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 cause...

  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 ...

  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, ...

  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 ...

  While many turn their gaze on caffeine as the culprit for insomnia, nicotine is the main offender. In order to enjoy proper sleep hygiene, one must quit smoking. However, nicotine withdrawal causes sleep disturbances. In this blog post, Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. shares a few tips on how to win the battle against insomnia.  Image source: huffingtonpost.com A warm bath eases the mind and the body, preparing one for some sweet slumber. It is important to set a relaxing environment before hitting the sack to let the mind and body know it is time to rest. Drink herbal tea before bedtime to calm the body and prepare it for sleep. Not only will it prep the mind and body for a good sleep, a cup of tea also helps relieve stress. Lessen caffeine intake . While cutting caffeine to zero would be unnecessary, reducing it by half will prevent one from being over-caffeinated. Drinking too much coffee can cause one to feel jittery and irritated. Make it a habit to drink coffee ea...

  Experts recommend adults to clock in seven to nine hours of sleep a night, which seems impossible to many given the tasks they need to accomplish in a day. While a struggle to many, getting to bed early and sleeping for the required number of hours can do wonders for one's health. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares a few tips on how to sleep early.  Image source: thestir.cafemom.com As much as possible, expend energy during daytime . Tiring oneself out from physical exercise offers better chances of getting to bed earlier. However, exercising too close to bedtime increases body temperature, stimulates the brain, and increases adrenaline levels, which may cause one to feel wide awake in the middle of the night. Break a sweat not later than six in the evening to get quality sleep at night.  Image source: thenewdaily.au Develop a nightly bedtime routine . Avoid thinking about going to sleep five minutes before the desired time. Start the routine an hour before the targe...

Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., knows that in today's world, one that is struggling with the coronavirus, every little bit helps. From good governance and compliant citizens to efficient business tactics and the development of new and innovative technologies, humanity is indeed very capable of defeating the global health threat. Image source: wellandgood.com Image source: chopra.com As an extension of the service that she does as a pulmonary specialist, Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., has written and released a series of informative blogs on how people can cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. For today's blog, Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. shares two more ways of boosting lung power for people who are still cooped up in their own homes. Meditation Maybe because of its lack of physical movements, meditation is one of the most overlooked health and fitness activities. Be that as it may, meditation has some of the greatest benefits of any activity known to man. For starters, it...

As the world tries to fight off COVID-19 and find solutions to eradicate the virus, it is a good idea to boost the immune system while on quarantine. Instead of falling prey to cabin fever, do these tips to increase lung capacity. Image source: webmd.com Image source: wuwm.com Learn to breathe . Many are still clueless about the proper way of breathing. When inhaling, concentrate on expanding the diaphragm. Here, the stomach gets bigger as one inhales air right into the end of the lungs. As a person exhales, their stomach becomes smaller. Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants . One’s lung health is dependent on their diet, shares Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. Foods like fruits, vegetables, walnuts, almonds, pecans, and tuna are great for the body. Drink more water . Lung health is anchored on proper nutrition, and proper nutrition includes better water intake. It’s important to keep the lungs moist to avoid dryness. Drinking water ensures that the mucosal li...

Many factors contribute to a good night's sleep. A person's diet, pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle habits, and even the environment can make or break a good shuteye. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., says that aside from these factors, allergens can usually affect the quality of a person's rest. Image source: Pixabay.com Image source: Pixabay.com While most consider ventilation and lighting as an important detail that contributes to a good sleep environment, the person's bed matters too. An old mattress can be a breeding ground for bacteria and trigger allergies. Despite covering it with beddings, these unseen elements can cause harm that can go unnoticed. It could cause interrupted sleep that can interfere with a person's condition during the day. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., notes that dust mites are a common allergy trigger in the bedroom. These microscopic allergens irritate the nasal passages that can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and even ski...

There are many reasons why a person’s sleep cycle can be disrupted. Work shifts, time zone changes, and weather changes can lead to an erratic schedule. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., explains that to keep up with a healthy circadian rhythm, one must build up healthy habits that will allow the body to rest and wake at the most suitable time. Here are some tips for retuning the body’s sleep cycle. Image source: Verywellhealth.com   Image source: Pixabay.com Tweak the body’s sleep schedule bit by bit According to sleep experts, attempting to sleep an hour earlier than what the body has gotten used to might lead to more frustration. Starting the change by sleeping 15 minutes earlier might be easier to accomplish. For those who want to make long-term changes can add 15 more minutes every two or three days until their body gets used to sleeping at their desired time. Avoid naps Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., suggests skipping naps if one feels tired during midday. Some pe...

Image source: Everydayhealth.com Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 2,000 people. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness that can lead a person to fall asleep suddenly, even while doing other activities. According to Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., individuals need to consult with a sleep medicine specialist for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Aside from excessive daytime sleepiness, people with narcolepsy may sometimes experience cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, interrupted nighttime sleep, or even insomnia. Unlike others, those who have narcolepsy fall into the REM sleep within 15 minutes compared to the usual 60 to 90-minute interval. The disorder can be classified into two categories: Type 1 (with cataplexy) or Type 2 (without cataplexy). Those who have cataplexy may sometimes experience the sudden loss of voluntary muscle control due to strong emotions. This symptom may sometimes be misdiagnosed as a seizure. However, the difference b...

Image source: health.harvard.edu Most people do not perceive pneumonia as a deadly disease, but statistics prove otherwise. Often, pneumonia can be the complication that pushes a patient to the limit. According to Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., pneumonia can introduce complications that can be hard to spot but produce deadly effects. Here are some examples of these complications. Septic shock : Bacteria-caused pneumonia can sometimes enter the bloodstream, especially if treatments were ignored. This condition is called Bacteremia, which can lead to septic shock. Septic shock occurs as a reaction to an infection in the blood, which causes a person’s blood pressure to drop down to dangerous levels. It can starve a person’s organs of blood and force them to stop functioning altogether. Kidney failure : When a person’s kidneys don’t get enough blood, it can lead to kidney failure. Bacteremia or septic shock can cause this as it could prevent a person’s heart from pumping enough b...

Image source: advancedcardiosleep.com As an expert in the subject matter with years of experience, Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., notes that many factors affect the longevity and quality of a person’s sleep. One of the most overlooked of which is the bedroom. To get that eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, the state of the bedroom plays a crucial role. On that note, Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares three essential tips on how to arrange the bedroom to be more sleep conducive. On the bed : The key fixture in the bedroom, of course, is the bed. A good mattress will do wonders for a person’s sleep. It should be comfortable enough to sleep in. Any bed that’s too hard, too soft, or lumpy, will only cause a person to toss and turn. Image source: runtastic.com On neatness : Generally, the bedroom is the ultimate place for rest and relaxation in a person’s home. As such, it should be as neat as can be. Avoid setting up the home office in the bedroom as it takes away the very ess...

One way for people to keep themselves healthy is to get regular good night’s sleep. And just like everyone else, children need a good night’s sleep to stay healthy. Parents know all too well just how much energy children expend throughout their day, which is why sleep is as important as nutrition and exercise.  According to Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., aside from affecting their physical health, when a child experiences inadequate or irregular sleep, they have higher risk of developing mental health problems (such as depression, anxiety, and moodiness) as well. The same has also been observed in many trials on adults. So as one can see, lack of a schedule conducive to quality sleep in children may have grave psychological and emotional implications later in life. For these and many other reasons, parents need to be vigilant and diligent with their children when it comes to sleep time. Parents also have to be observant, especially if they sense something not quite in place with the...