There are many environmental factors that can impact your respiratory health and make it harder for you to breathe. However, there are things you can do to protect your lungs. Here are 12 healthy habits you should adopt.
• Eat a nutritious diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day
• Wash your hands often to prevent infections
• Receive the recommended vaccines for your age group
• Quit smoking and vaping (or avoid starting in the first place)
• Avoid smoky places and second-hand smoke
• Try not to use aerosol products such as hairspray
• Wear a mask if you work in a dusty environment or handle toxic products
• Use eco-friendly paint that doesn’t contain VOCs
• Test your home for radon
• Remove asbestos from your home if necessary
• Make sure your home’s ventilation system is clean and in good working order
If you’re concerned about your lungs, talk to your doctor about getting a computed tomography (CT) scan. This test can help detect infections, lung cancer, blood clots and other lung problems.
Did you know?
According to the Canadian Lung Association, one in five people has lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the leading cause of hospitalization in Canada.
