Let's Be Proactive About Lung Health!

Greetings to my dear Sisters! We pray that you have remained healthy and are continuing to adhere to the recommended guidelines to further prevent the spread of the coronavirus by practicing safe distancing, hand washing and the use of masks for you and your family. 

Now that we know what distinguishes healthy from unhealthy lungs, we will focus on what practices you can engage in to ensure that your lungs remain as healthy as possible.

Prevention is worth a pound of cure. Paying attention to the quality of the air you breathe will equip you to make choices for lung health.

STOP…

1. Smoking. This is a very old message, which has not changed with time. Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and other lung diseases, i.e. emphysema and bronchitis (COPD). Smoking causes inflammation to lung tissue, weakening their defense mechanisms and making us more susceptible to harmful substances. Just as taking care empowers you to bless many, failing to take care of yourself can also endanger many. Secondhand smoke can cause many of the same effects in non smokers. Love your neighbor. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/protecting-your-lungs.
2. Vaping. This is not a “safe” alternative to smoking. It, like smoking, results in the inhalation of harmful chemicals, nicotine and many other substances. It can even lead to death. https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping/impact-of-e-cigarettes-on-lung.
3. Using harsh chemicals in your house. Several cleaning and household maintenance products contain harmful chemicals, which can lead to respiratory problems. For a more detailed list of these items click here. For more information on safer alternatives click here.
4. Avoid outdoor air pollutants. Outdoor pollutants can have many sources. Some common ones are: the burning of fossil fuels; emissions from public transportation; the heating, cooling and powering of homes and businesses and natural disasters. God made us intelligently. If you experience irritation of any sort to your eyes, nose, throat or skin, it could be an indication that you are around a harmful stimulant. Try to figure out the source and remove it. If the source cannot be removed, then you move. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/what-makes-air-unhealthy.

START...

1. Using an air filter to reduce the presence of indoor pollutants in your home or workspace. Check out consumer reports on the best air filters to buy here.
2. Testing your home for Radon. “Radon forms naturally. Uranium in soil or rock breaks down to form radium, which then turns into radon gas. Once formed, radon enters a home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled and can cause lung cancer. Because radon comes from rock and soil, it can be found anywhere.” https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/radon. Get your short-term radon testing kit here.
3. Indoor gardening. It doesn’t have to be high maintenance. But, some plants are great for beautifying and purifying your space. Green plants are especially beneficial to indoor spaces during the winter months, when we tend to spend more time indoors. Check out these recommendations for air purifying indoor plants. https://www.genesismedical.org/blog/6-simple-ways-you-can-take-care-of-your-lungs-live-a-healthier-life.
4. Drinking plenty of water. Drinking water has many great health benefits for our overall health. Keeping ourselves well hydrated specifically helps our lungs by thinning secretions that accumulate in our lungs, allowing us to breathe easy. https://www.genesismedical.org/blog/6-simple-ways-you-can-take-care-of-your-lungs-live-a-healthier-life.

Other Proactive Steps Worth Mentioning
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Get vaccinated for Flu and Pneumonia if recommended by your Primary Care Provider, which may help to prevent some lung infections and is also highly recommended if you have any chronic diseases like Asthma, COPD, Heart Disease, Diabetes or are immunocompromised.

Stay home when sick! This is the best way to prevent others from getting the cold and Flu viruses that are highly contagious: a measure that has been emphasized as a result of the Coronavirus. 

Happy Temple Building!