Author
Herbert Rude, SHG Rhein-Main-Nahe. Published in Alpha1 Journal 1/2022.
…and how our neck hurts our fitness – a CSL event in Mainz
It feels like we've been lurching from one crisis to the next for the past few years: the financial crisis, the euro crisis, the coronavirus crisis, and now the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, people with a high enzyme deficiency are often already burdened enough by the secondary illnesses resulting from their deficiency. Crises disrupt their emotional balance and can trigger anxiety and even depression. "That's why crises must be managed, and strengthening resilience helps with that," said Ines Schneider, an anti-crisis coach, at the patient event in Mainz.
Finally, an in-person event was held again in the Rhein-Main-Nahe region for the self-help group, and the numerous exercises designed to strengthen resilience demonstrated just how beneficial it was. "Thoughts influence the body, but the body also influences thoughts," explained the coach. Singing, humming, or breathing exercises, as well as visualizing a walk by the sea with the cries of seagulls and a gentle breeze, can help with panic attacks, palpitations, or outbursts of anger.
„"Thoughts influence the body, but the body also influences thoughts."“
Resilience – or the ability to withstand adversity – results from becoming aware of positive emotions. "The small splashes of color in life are important," says Ines Schneider. Focusing on these leads to inner peace and strengthens one's resilience.
This isn't about denying the crises; they must be accepted and processed. The focus must be on solutions. This is achieved much more effectively by activating inner resources. Positive thoughts and vivid mental images strengthen the nervous system, as do corresponding physical activities and impulses. These lead to the production and release of neurotransmitters and hormones that have antidepressant effects and support our immune system.
Since the body influences mood, there are also very simple ways to strengthen resilience: "Head up, chest out, and smile," recommends the coach. And: "Practice, practice, practice."„
The second topic of the event was sleep apnea. "It is dangerous and its consequences are underestimated," says Dr. Andreas Forster, a pulmonologist from Darmstadt. He refers to studies by the Federal Highway Research Institute, according to which probably one in four traffic fatalities is attributable to sleep deprivation.
„"It becomes dangerous when the upper airways become blocked during sleep."“
„"It becomes dangerous when the upper airways become blocked during sleep," explains Dr. Forster. This causes the oxygen level in the blood to drop, while CO2 accumulates. The result is brief awakenings, so short that the person doesn't even notice them. These awakenings prevent the person from entering deep sleep, leaving them feeling unrested and tired during the day. In the long term, this can lead to dangerous conditions like atrial fibrillation or diabetes.
Since the relevant muscle between the throat and neck is passive, it cannot be trained. For many patients, weight loss is a possible treatment option, as 70 percent of apnea cases are due to severe obesity. "But 30 percent are not," says Dr. Forster.
The most common and successful treatment involves wearing a breathing mask that uses pressure to keep the throat and neck area open during sleep. The appropriate pressure is set in a sleep lab. However, for many patients with mild sleep apnea, simply sleeping on their side instead of their back is helpful.
