Wellness Tips
- Use the talk test. If you can't speak a sentence or two with each breath, you're pushing yourself too hard (unless you are purposely participating in a high-intensity exercise).
- Whether you're heading off to a spin class, a 5K run or to the gym, it's always important to hydrate so you can stay energized and have your best workout.
Clearing the Air on Lung Health
Our lungs are one of the most important and active organs in the body. Anything we breathe in from the environment can affect them. Germs, tobacco smoke and other harmful substances can cause damage to airways and threaten the lungs’ ability to work properly. Here are 10 important things you can do for better lung health:
- Quit smoking. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Cigarette smoke can make breathing more difficult and cause chronic inflammation in the lungs. Over time, cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue and may trigger changes that grow into cancer.
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke significantly increases a person's risk for respiratory infections, asthma and lung cancer. Reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke by prohibiting smoking inside your home and avoiding environments that allow smoking.
- Exercise to maximize lung health. Commit to regular cardiorespiratory exercises like running, swimming or cycling to strengthen your lung capacity. The better your cardiorespiratory fitness is, the easier it is for your lungs to keep your heart and muscles supplied with oxygen.
- Eat right. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is linked with a lower risk of lung cancer. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
- Be wary of outdoor air pollution. To help protect yourself from the dangers of air pollution, check air quality forecasts daily. These forecasts can tell you how clean or polluted the air in your area is and can provide information about the associated health concerns.
- Check for radon. Radon is the main cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second-leading cause of the disease after smoking. Have the radon levels in your home checked, especially if you live in an area where radon is known to be a problem.
- Reduce your indoor air pollution exposure. Filter your home’s air to avoid pollutants from wood-burning stoves, mold, pet dander, construction materials, etc. Use exhaust hoods or fans in the kitchen and bathroom to reduce your exposure and minimize humidity that can cause mold and mildew.
- Avoid breathing in chemicals. Many activities like cleaning can expose your lungs to harmful particles or gases. Stay away from strong cleaning or chemical agents whenever possible or wear a mask and use them in a well-ventilated area.
- Schedule an annual physical. Regular checkups are an important part of lung disease prevention. During your physical, your doctor will listen to your breathing and discuss any concerns you may have.
- Pay attention to signs and symptoms. The American Lung Association recommends that you see a doctor if you have had a cough lasting more than a month, have a hard time breathing with little or no physical exertion, are wheezing, are coughing up blood or have chronic chest pain.
Lung Health Calendar
January
- National Radon Action Month (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
October
- Healthy Lung Month (Federal Occupational Health)
November
- COPD Awareness Month (American Lung Association)
- Lung Cancer Awareness Month (American Lung Association)
