Lung Health

Many of us know smokers and/or people who have suffered and died from lung cancer. Not that all lung issues stem from smoking, but this is the one that is preventable. The American Association for Respiratory Care created Lung Health Day to focus on lung health. This day falls on the Wednesday of Respiratory Care Week and this year it falls on October 28, 2009. The suggestion is to hold and promote community activities to build awareness of good lung health.

So, what do our lungs do? Lungs are a part of our pulmonary system and are essential for breathing. The primary function is to transport oxygen from the air into the bloodstream and to release carbon monoxide from the bloodstream into the air through a process called respiration. There are many parts that actually make up our pulmonary system, but we will stay focused on the lungs.

The number one thing that can be recommended to promote good lung health is to not smoke. Smoking promotes illness that can be preventable by simply not engaging in the habit and avoiding second-hand smoke as well. This is typically the first thing people think of when they think of lung cancer and/or emphysema. Burning tobacco releases chemicals that affect your breathing, increase mucous, and decrease cilia which working together is a recipe for infection. The coughing starts as your body is trying to rid itself of the mucous.

Regular exercise is also a healthy recommendation as this promotes healthy lung function. Exercise like Pilates and Yoga can help to train your breathing so that you are breathing properly. These practices also encourage deep breathing which is good for the body and for relaxation. Aerobic exercise will also help to build up your lung capacity.

You can also work toward better lung health through nutrition and supplements. Foods with the antioxidant Beta-Carotene are a good choice, and these include: carrots, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, peaches, and melons. A daily multi-vitamin containing mixed carotenoids is also recommended. Vitamin C supplements can aid in the protection against oxidative stress on the body and Coenzyme Q10 is also a powerful antioxidant that may actually improve the use of oxygen at the cellular level.

Keep an eye out for events in your area promoting Lung Health Day.

"Lung." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 21 October 2009 http://en. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lungs

"Lung Health Day Brings Focus to RC Week Activities." American Association of Respiratory Care. 21 October 2009 http://www.aarc.org/headlines/lung_health_day>