Our lungs play a crucial role in our everyday lives, helping us take about 23,000 breaths daily. However, lung problems are becoming more common, especially due to air pollution. A recent study shows that around 100 Filipinos die each year from air pollution-related issues. This is a serious concern, but the good news is that there are steps we can take to protect our lung health.
Dr. Gregorio P. Ocampo, a lung health expert at Makati Medical Center, highlights the dangers we face every day. “With all the smoke from vehicles like jeepneys and tricycles, plus pollution from factories, our lungs take a hit,” he explains. Exposure to these harmful pollutants can lead to serious respiratory infections and increase the risk of lung diseases, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and even lung cancer.
While we can’t control the air outside, there are simple actions we can take to improve the air quality in our homes and keep our lungs healthy:
- Improve Indoor Air Quality:
- Say no to smoking inside the house.
- Consider getting a HEPA air purifier to filter out harmful particles.
- Keep your home dust-free and regularly change air filters.
- Groom your pets often to reduce dander and consider adding air-purifying plants like snake plants to your space.
- Eat Lung-Friendly Foods:
- Cut back on fried and processed foods that can weigh down your lungs.
- Instead, load up on fruits and vegetables like apples, beets, pumpkins, tomatoes, and leafy greens. These foods are packed with antioxidants that support lung health and improve oxygen intake.
- Stay Active:
- Regular exercise, such as running, swimming, or even brisk walking, helps improve how oxygen flows in your body.
- Try activities like yoga and Pilates, which focus on breathing and posture. They can help expand your lung capacity and improve overall wellness. Simple deep breathing exercises can also make a big difference in your respiratory health.
- Stay Updated on Vaccinations:
- Make sure you and your family are up to date on vaccines for flu and pneumonia to protect against respiratory diseases.
- If you or someone you know is at risk (like smokers or those who work around dust and smoke), regular check-ups like spirometry tests can help catch any issues early.
“Every breath counts,” reminds Dr. Ocampo. With air pollution on the rise, it’s more important than ever to prioritize our lung health. Let’s make these small changes today for a healthier tomorrow!
For more information or to schedule a check-up, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email [email protected], or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter for more health tips!
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