Century Park Blog

The center of your respiratory system are your lungs. Each day, we take about 23,000 breaths, and as we breathe, the lungs filter out waste and move the ever-important oxygen into our bloodstream and to all the cells in the body. As we age, our lung capacity declines, but there are things you can do to keep your lungs healthy.

1. Stop Smoking: If you currently use tobacco products, quitting smoking is the fastest way to improve lung health. Cigarette smoke can narrow air passages and make breathing more difficult. It is never too late to quit. Only 24 hours after you quit smoking, your body begins to repair the damage and your risk of disease goes down the longer you resist a cigarette.

2. Exercise Regularly: When you're physically active, your heart and lungs work harder to get additional oxygen to your muscles. Regular exercise not only makes your lungs stronger, but it makes your heart stronger too.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated: Your body uses food as fuel and the process of changing food into energy with the help of oxygen is only accomplished with the help of your lungs. No single food will supply all the nutrients you need. Drinking water can help thin the mucus lining of your airways and lungs, making it easier to breathe.

4. Get Annual Check-ups: Visiting your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups helps prevent illness, so it is important to keep those medical appointments even when you are feeling well.

5. Stay Up to Date with Vaccinations: Infectious respiratory diseases spread from person to person and the best way to stop the spread is through being vaccinated. Vaccines are especially important for people with lung disease as they can help prevent serious illness.

6. Avoid Outdoor Air Pollution Exposure: Though outdoor air can be cleaner than indoor air, there are still many pollutants that make outdoor air unhealthy. Ozone and particle pollution are the most widespread pollutants and among the most dangerous.

7. Improve Indoor Air Quality: Dusting regularly, changing air filters and keeping your house smokefree are just a few of many tips to improve your indoor air.

8. Practice Deep Breathing: There are many ways to breathe deeply that not only improve your lung function but can also assist in managing stressful situations. These breathing exercises can also improve the lungs’ strength and endurance.

9. Maintain Good Hygiene: Washing your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds can help you to avoid infections.

10. Get Screened for Lung Cancer: Low-dose CT scans can reduce deaths in those at high risk by detecting lung cancer before symptoms appear. The test is not recommended for everyone so talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you are eligible.