By: Delnor Health & Fitness Staff
October is Healthy Lung Month. Let’s start off by taking a look at some basic diseases or illnesses that can affect the lungs.
Asthma: A lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Nearly 26 million Americans have asthma, including more than 7 million children. Medicines are prescribed to help control asthma.
COPD: A progressive lung disease and over time makes breathing more difficult. More than 11 million people have COPD. To treat COPD medicines are prescribed that can be in the form of a pill or inhaled by using a metered-dose inhaler, a breath-actuated device, or a nebulizer. The right amount and type of exercise has many benefits for those with COPD.
Influenza: A highly contagious respiratory illness and is also known as the flu. In the United States 5-10% of the population is affected from the flu each year. This can affect anyone. To prevent from getting influenza, it is highly encouraged to get the flu shot, washing hands frequently and to maintain a safe distance from someone who is sick.
Lung Cancer: Happens when cells in the lung multiply uncontrollably, resulting in the formation of a tumor. This ends up destroying the tissues of the lungs. It is the number one cancer killer in the U.S. Lung cancer is treated by either surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials and/or palliative care.
Pneumonia: A lung infection caused by bacteria, a virus or fungi. Treatment includes resting, prescriptions from the doctor and getting plenty of rest.
What can you do to maintain the health of your lungs?
– Do not smoke
– Limit exposure to pollutants
– Wash hands to prevent infection
– Get regular exercise
– Regular checkups with your doctor
Exercise plays a huge role when it comes to having healthy lungs. It is important to get physical activity on a regular basis to improve the health of your lungs. Exercise is beneficial for the lungs, even for those that have a lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moderate exercise improves the use of oxygen, shortness of breath, and your cardiovascular fitness (running, walking and biking). If you are unsure of how to exercise properly, see a fitness specialist or sign up for an exercise orientation so we can show you what you should be doing.
For more information on lung health, visit www.lung.org.
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