Breathe Easy - Steps to Ensuring Healthy Lungs

Every day, we breathe roughly thirty pounds of air (3,500 gallons). The respiratory system is an often neglected area of our body, but perhaps one of the most vital, as humans cannot live without air for more than five minutes. The respiratory system is a complex network of tubes such as bronchi which carry air to the lungs, where gas exchange takes place. The oxygen that travels from the lungs to the cells in the body provides fuel for these cells. This entire process is essentially an exchange of gas via an automatic and unconscious system. In addition to gas exchange, the respiratory system also acts as either an air conditioner or furnace, helps moisturize the air for proper humidity, and protects the body from harmful substances by filtering out pollutants, sneezing, or by alerting you through your sense of smell.

In order to keep your respiratory system functioning healthily and effortlessly, proper lung care is absolutely crucial. The lungs need to be protected from injuries and exposure to airborne pollutants such as chemicals and dust. While aging undoubtedly has an effect on your lungs, these simple steps can help you keep this vital organ healthy:

1. Control your breathing environment:
- Provide your lungs with air that is at the right temperature and humidity levels, and clear your air of airborne particles.

2. Be aware of the dangers of modern technology on your lungs:
- Avoid airborne occupational or household contaminants such as dust, dander, asbestos, gravel, carbon monoxide, and radon.
- Be smoke-free by not smoking.
- Use household cleaners and chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
- Have chimneys cleaned regularly to assure safe operation.
- Provide your vehicle with regular tune-ups to keep the air cleaner longer.

3. Ensure the health of your lungs by getting appropriate health care:
- Make sure you and your family members have been tested for tuberculosis.
- Cover coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
- Get influenza vaccines on a yearly basis and immunize your children against childhood diseases.
- Properly humidify and ventilate your air through the use of humidifiers and/or air purifiers.

By making a conscious, health-wise effort to keep your lungs healthy, you can help prevent respiratory conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma attacks from affecting the way you breathe. With a little effort, you can have a healthy set of lungs for years to come.