The Australian Lung Foundation says
lung diseases are largely preventable.
So is it just a case of using your common sense?
Some of these tips might seem like obvious health precautions, and yet more than 9,100 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Try these top three tips for lung health.
1. Don't smoke. If you do, quit
"The most important thing is to acknowledge the harm smoking is doing and try to quit," says Professor Matthew Peters, spokesman for The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF).
Smoking puts you at high risk for lung cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, chest and lung illnesses and the deterioration of asthma.
One of the deadliest parts of a cigarette is carbon monoxide, which takes the place of oxygen in your blood, robbing the lungs, heart and other organs of the oxygen they need.
"If you've tried to quit and failed, increase your motivation by talking to a free quit expert at Quitline on 13 78 48," Peters says.
Smoking puts you at high risk for lung cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, chest and lung illnesses and the deterioration of asthma.
One of the deadliest parts of a cigarette is carbon monoxide, which takes the place of oxygen in your blood, robbing the lungs, heart and other organs of the oxygen they need.
"If you've tried to quit and failed, increase your motivation by talking to a free quit expert at Quitline on 13 78 48," Peters says.
2. Exercise regularly, in moderation
With regular exercise, the body's cardio-respiratory system works efficiently to transport oxygen to the muscles and tissues, providing overall strength and improving energy. Lung capacity does not necessarily improve, but a healthy level of fitness may reduce the amount of work the lungs have to do.
The lungs' most important job is to absorb oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide, an essential part of life. "Plus, every drop of blood must flow through the lungs," Peters says. "If one is damaged, the capacity of the heart to pump blood is reduced, no matter how strong the heart is."
Peters recommends 30 to 45 minutes of exercise, three to five times a week.
The lungs' most important job is to absorb oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide, an essential part of life. "Plus, every drop of blood must flow through the lungs," Peters says. "If one is damaged, the capacity of the heart to pump blood is reduced, no matter how strong the heart is."
Peters recommends 30 to 45 minutes of exercise, three to five times a week.
3. Complete the Lung Health Checklist
As lung problems are difficult to diagnose, the ALF recommends completing the lung health checklist.
Do you:
Do you:
- Have a new, persistent or changed cough?
- Cough up mucus, phlegm or blood?
- Get out of breath more easily than others your age?
- Experience chest tightness or wheeze?
- Have frequent chest infections?
- Experience fatigue or sudden weight loss?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your lung health could be at risk. See your doctor with any concerns. You can find the checklist at www.lungfoundation.com.au
"I'll live a long life because of an early diagnosis"
Colette Beeston, 47, was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease three years ago.
"I grew up on a sheep and wheat station, a dusty environment full of chemicals. In my early 20s I started smoking. This increased to two or three packets a day until I quit in 2002.
"In 2008 I started getting chest infections and found it harder to exercise so I booked an appointment with my doctor.
"The results came back with early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It can be maintained with daily medication and exercise, so I try to walk, jog or cycle daily. I should live a long life because I was diagnosed early."
"I grew up on a sheep and wheat station, a dusty environment full of chemicals. In my early 20s I started smoking. This increased to two or three packets a day until I quit in 2002.
"In 2008 I started getting chest infections and found it harder to exercise so I booked an appointment with my doctor.
"The results came back with early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It can be maintained with daily medication and exercise, so I try to walk, jog or cycle daily. I should live a long life because I was diagnosed early."
Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/
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