MCC Daily Tribune
Lung Health Day
Lung Health Day, on the fourth Wednesday in October — October 26 this year, is celebrated in Healthy Lung Month. “As easy as breathing” is a phrase that exemplifies the effortless way in which humans (and all other species on planet earth) take in one breath after the other. Yet, each year millions of people succumb to some form of lung disease, from asthma to pneumonia — many of which could easily have been prevented if some care had been taken. Due to high levels of air pollution, the levels of toxins going into the body through the airways leads our cells to react unnaturally. This can often lead to chronic lung diseases and cancerous growths. Such things could possibly be prevented through avoiding the use of tobacco products, regular exercise, a healthy diet full of antioxidants, and an awareness of your own lung health for early detection of problems.
HOW TO OBSERVE LUNG HEALTH DAY
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Rally against smoking
Consuming tobacco will, in many cases, lead to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. There is also second-hand smoking, which has proven to be more dangerous than smoking itself. If you are a smoker, find an accountability partner to help you quit in October, and if a non-smoker, you can advocate lung health all month and especially on October 27.
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Say yes to natural fragrances
Fragrant-rich candles and cleaning agents are often dangerous to our lungs. The chemicals from their vapors can wreak havoc on our health. Choose products that are fragrant-free, or use natural fragrances. Better yet, have air-cleaning plants in your home for better air quality.
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Opt for good exercise and diet
Exercising on the regular can help make your lungs healthier. You will be taking in more oxygen and will increase your oxygen-absorbing capacity. Pair this with an antioxidant-rich diet, and you are good to go. Of course, before you do any of that, consult with your physician to see which regimen would be best suited for you.
5 FACTS ABOUT LUNGS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
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Different sizes for hearty space
Your lungs are different in size, with the left lung being smaller than the right in order to make more space for your heart.
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Great floating devices
Because of the way they are designed and the function they are involved in, lungs are the only organs in your body that are able to float on water.
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13 pints per minute
Your lungs are working hard to keep you alive, and this is why they go through at least 13 pints of air every minute.
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Size of a tennis court
If you were to unfold all the 600 million interconnected tubes in your lungs, you would easily be able to cover the area of an average tennis court.
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70% of waste in the body exits the lungs
Most of the waste from your body is released by the act of simply breathing.
WHY WE LOVE LUNG HEALTH DAY
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It’s a celebration of lung health
Lung health is of extreme importance, both in the short and the long run. Without our lungs functioning properly, we wouldn’t be able to lead our best lives. Lung Health Day encourages you to visit your doctor if you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, suffer from chronic coughs, or other similar symptoms for more than a week. An early checkup will not only put your mind at ease, but it will also help catch any issues earlier on.
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It’s a celebration of air
The human body can live without food and water for a period of time, but it cannot survive for more than a few minutes without air. Good and clean air is the basic right of all living creatures. Advocate against air pollution by saying no to all harmful things that will pollute your air, indoors and outdoors.
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It’s a celebration of great life
As they say, prevention is better than cure. Make healthier choices by saying no to smoking, fragrant-rich agents. Also opt for plants, exercise, and a good diet for a great life ahead.
Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
10/26/2022