Healthy Lung Month: Here Are 4 Easy Ways to Protect Your Lungs & Keep Them Healthy by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

October is Healthy Lung Month, a time to focus on the importance of protecting our lungs from disease, smoke, mold and air pollution. Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sometimes we take the health of our lungs for granted. Here are four ways to keep your lungs healthy:

1. Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. If you want to stop smoking, reach out to your nurse practitioner (NP) or other health-care provider. They can help with a plan to stop smoking for good.
2. Limit exposure to indoor pollutants. Make your home and car smoke-free zones. Test your home for radon and talk to your NP or other health-care provider if you think chemicals or other pollutants in your home, school or work may be impacting your health.
3. Minimize exposure to outdoor air pollution. Air quality varies from day to day. Try to avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days. Minimizing prolonged exposure to outdoor air pollution can help keep your lungs healthy.
4. Have regular checkups. Annual checkups with your NP or other health-care provider can help ensure you are healthy – even if you are feeling well. Lung disease can sometimes go undetected until it is serious, so make sure you schedule a visit with your NP.

If you have any concerns about your lungs or your breathing, reach out to your NP. They can listen to your lungs and help diagnose the issue.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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