General measures
- Nicotine restriction (abstaining from tobacco use) [due toharmfulness to lungs and heart].
- Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day) [due topotential increase in damage to myocytes (muscle fiber cell)]
- Limited caffeine consumption (max 240 mg of caffeine per day; equivalent to 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 4 to 6 cups of green/black tea).
- Aim for normal weight! [due tosecondary disease obesity]Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
- Avoidance of psychosocial stress
- Avoidance of environmental stress [due toprophylaxis of lung-related secondary diseases].
Medical aids
- Orthotics (orthosis = medical device used for the limbs as well as the trunk; here: Knee orthoses)
- Corset construction (due toScoliosis / lateral curvature of the spine).
- Children’s orthopedic technology – measures to facilitate gait.
- Wheelchair for high disease progression (progression of the disease).
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are advised, as infection can often lead to worsening of the present disease:
- Flu vaccination
- Pneumococcal vaccination
Regular checkups
- Regular medical checkups
Sports medicine
- Endurance training (cardio training) [for mild forms due toprevention of secondary disease heart failure (cardiac insufficiency), cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) as well as coronary artery disease (CAD; coronary artery disease)].
Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)
- Physiotherapy – due topreservation of muscle function.
Psychotherapy
- Psychotherapy – due tosecondary disorders depression, anxiety disorders. Obsessive-compulsive disorders (for details see below the disease of the same name).
Training
- Back school or back exercises [due tosecondary disease scoliosis].
- Diabetic training [due toConsequential disease obesity]
