Q. My mother is 85 and coming home from the hospital after a bronchial problem. Is there anything you think she should do every day that may help her?

She gets around pretty well (with a cane) but I am concerned that she may start laying around more when she gets home and that might make her relapse. Thanks

A. Your mom should engage in all of her normal activities of daily living (ADL's) as well as walk every day unless the doctor says otherwise.

It is also a good idea to have your mom stand up, raise her arms overhead while taking in a deep breath, and then slowly lower her arms while blowing out with "pursed" lips.

She can do this a couple times every hour.