Healthy Lung Tips

Many times, we take our lungs for granted and forget how important they actually are. Did you know that October is Health Lung Month and October 23-29 is Respiratory Care Week? With these observances, we want to share how to strengthen and keep your lungs healthy especially as the fall and winter seasons approach. Here are five ways to keep your lungs healthy. 

1 Don’t Smoke

According to lung.org, “Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.” Cigarette smoke causes air passages to narrow, making it hard for individuals to breathe. Over time, cigarettes cause irreversible damage to lung tissue and eventually destroys it. If you currently smoke, now would be a great time to quit.

2 Avoid Exposure to Indoor Pollutants

Chemicals in your home and workplace, secondhand smoke, and radon can all cause lung disease or worsen it if you already have it. It is important to check your home for radon and keep your home and car smoke-free. 

3 Prevent Infection

A respiratory infection or cold can become profoundly serious if you do not protect yourself. Some ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands with soap and water, avoid crowds during flu season, practice good oral hygiene, and get vaccinated from influenza every year. If you get sick, remember to stay home, and keep your distance from everyone. 

4 Exercise

Being physically active can strengthen your lungs and keep them healthy. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, or if you have a chronic illness or disability, exercise helps everyone maintain good lung health. 

5 Minimize Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution

The air quality outside varies every day and can be unhealthy to breathe at times. Climate change and natural disasters like wildfires can directly impact your lung health. Also avoid exercising outdoors on bad air quality days. 

Our bodies have a natural defense system to ward off dirt and germs, but there are still many things we can do to stay healthy. We hope we were able to bring awareness to Healthy Lung Month and Respiratory Care Week by providing these helpful tips! Remember to take care of yourself and have fun this fall!