By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health
Wildfire seasons are getting longer. Air pollution is growing worse. The COVID-19 pandemic does not want to end. It may seem impossible to maintain healthy lungs in today’s world, but there is hope! By taking these five steps to care for your lungs now, you can breathe new life into your overall health.
Avoid pollutants.
Whether it is cigarette smoke, smog or a nearby wildfire, airborne pollutants have negative effects on your lung health. Breathing in too much of a pollutant can irritate or inflame your throat, lungs and airways and can even lead to lung cancer.
If it is smoky outside or pollutant levels are high, consider spending more time inside until the air quality improves. Try avoiding roads and highways where vehicle exhaust is dense. If you choose to exercise outdoors, walk instead of jog to better regulate your breathing. If you have asthma or other lung conditions, consider wearing a mask.
While painting or cleaning with chemicals when indoors, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Protect your lungs by wearing a respirator, if necessary.
Prevent contagious illnesses.
The best offense is a good defense, and the best defense for your lungs is to avoid illnesses that lead to lung problems. In addition to frequent handwashing and social distancing, make sure you are up to date on all of your vaccinations. While vaccinations do not always prevent you from getting sick, they do greatly reduce your risk of complications, hospitalization and death. If you are sick or think you might be getting sick, stay home as much as possible. If you are sick and need to go out, wear a mask to protect those around you.
Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease and dementia while improving sleep and bone strength. It also helps reduce weight gain, anxiety and depression. With all of these benefits, it should come as no surprise that exercising also reduces your risk of lung cancer. Regular exercise increases your lung strength and makes your body better at getting oxygen into your bloodstream. Add it to the list of reasons to get up and get moving!
Try breathing exercises.
We all know taking several deep breaths can help calm our nerves. But did you know you could be getting more benefits? Deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and anxiety and may even help improve sleep. These types of exercises also increase lung capacity and help strengthen lung muscles for those recovering from a respiratory illness or disease. They are also a great introduction to mindful breathing meditation, or breath meditation. Meditation can reduce stress and anxiety while exercising your lungs.
Quit smoking.
Quitting smoking is one of the biggest steps you can take toward improving lung health. Cigarette smoking not only causes most cases of lung cancer, but can also damage your airways and the air sacs in your lungs. Smoking can also lead to other diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. If you smoke cigarettes, talk with your health care provider about how to quit. Your lungs will appreciate it, and so will the rest of your body!
October is Healthy Lung Month, but you can strive to breathe easier all year long. If you would like to learn more about lung health and how to prevent common respiratory conditions, visit the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute website.
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