Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.
Take a deep breath
Taking a deep breath not only feels good, but it’s also healthy for you! Our bodies need oxygen to create the red blood cells that we need, and we get that oxygen by breathing air into our lungs. Our lungs also help remove carbon dioxide from our bodies in a process called gas exchange.
Our lungs can hold up to 6 liters of air. However, that capacity can start to decline at around the age of 35 for a variety of reasons. Let’s learn more about how to keep our lovely lungs’ longevity!
Know the Signs
Sometimes we don’t think much about the occasional lingering cough or wheezing fit, or we chalk it up to getting older. However, these symptoms could be a warning sign for something serious like lung disease, asthma, or lung cancer. Learning these warning signs can help us receive the treatment that we need before these symptoms become severe or even life-threatening. Here are the warning signs to look out for:
- Shortness of breath: We all experience shortness of breath every now and then, especially after working out. However, it’s not normal to still experience shortness of breath after exercising or after little to no exertion.
- Chronic cough: A cough that lasts more than eight weeks is considered chronic and could be a sign that something is wrong with your respiratory system.
- Wheezing: Noisy breathing could be a sign that something is obstructing your airways or that the passages are too narrow.
Protect your lungs
Our bodies have a natural security system to keep our lungs healthy, but there are also things that we can do to make it easier and reduce our risk of lung disease. Here are some ways that we can keep our lungs healthy:
- Stay away from tobacco: Smoking tobacco can lead to a multitude of issues, including chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Click here for cessation resources from the American Lung Association!
- Limit exposure to outdoor pollutants: Outdoor air pollutants can do some damage to our lungs over time. Make sure to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading outside, and limit exposure if needed.
- Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with a doctor or medical professional are beneficial for preventing lung disease, as it may go undetected until it’s serious.
The Great American Smokeout by the American Cancer Society
Let the American Cancer Society help you or someone you know that may be struggling with tobacco cessation! On the third Thursday of every November, ACS hosts The Great American Smokeout – an event designed to empower those that are looking to start living tobacco-free. Click here for more information and resources to help you, or someone you love, take the steps toward a healthier life!
Clean the air!
A great way to keep your lungs healthy is by practicing lung cleansing techniques. These techniques can help remove excess mucus from the lungs and improve breathing. Click here for more information!
Published November 11th, 2020
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator at BKPP
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
