KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE ON YOUR MOOD AND SYMPTOMS
Keeping an eye on your symptoms will help you to be aware of patterns and changes in your UCD. If you notice changes, it’s something you should bring up with your doctor. When the doctor is fully aware of which symptoms you are experiencing, he or she can also better assess which treatment that suits you best, to keep your ammonia levels under control.
YOU CAN PROBABLY BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE – BUT TAKE IT EASY
Intense physical exercise causes the body to use lots of energy and this may lead to an elevation of ammonia. So don´t push yourself too far when exercising or ask your physician (or dietician) how you could adjust your diet to the activity.
A child with a UCD who can’t follow the same pace and join in on the activities by a big group of school children may feel left out. One solution can be to arrange to play less strenuous games indoors, where one or several classmates can come along and play.
The following activities may be suitable for you; remember to keep a less intensive tempo:
- Yoga
- Walking
- Bike riding
- Golf
- Bowling
- Swimming
- Table tennis
- Canoeing
- Volleyball
- Video games
Ammonia levels differ for every person living with a UCD. Make sure to consult your doctor before starting any activity or exercise program.
STAYING SAFE DURING COLD AND FLU SEASON
- A regular cold or flu can make the ammonia levels in your body start rising. That is why it is ever so important to avoid getting sick if you a UCD. Here are some tips that can help you to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season:
- Wash hands. Perhaps the most obvious but also a bit of very important advice. Washing your hands regularly will help to keep virus and bacteria away.
- Get vaccinated. The seasonal influenza can be quite dangerous, especially if you have a UCD. The seasonal flu vaccine is therefore highly recommended. All members of the family should be vaccinated, in order to lower the chances of being infected.
- Stay home. If there’s flu going around in school or at work. Try to get school assignments or your work done in your home.
- You should always consult your doctor before taking vitamin supplements or getting vaccinated.