Huff and Puff: Keep Your Lungs Thriving

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

Our lungs are some of the most important organs in our body – after all, they give us the ability to breathe in the air that is vital to living life. Now, there is a new blood test developed by Celera Corporation that may help diagnose early stages of lung cancer. The test uses a mass spectrometer to spot the compounds in the blood that may show cancerous cells [1]. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death across the globe. With a little extra care, you can keep your respiratory system strong and in top shape, and hopefully, cancer free. Follow these tips to breathe a little easier.

- Don’t smoke: This is one of the leading causes of lung damage and lung cancer. In addition, breathing in secondhand smoke has shown to be detrimental to your own lung health.
- Control your breathing atmosphere: Manage the air temperature, be free of dust-filled environments, and take precaution when being surrounded with chemicals, medicine, or other potent substances.
- Use protective equipment: When you work with and handle toxic substances, such as household cleaners, fumes, pesticides, or powders, protect yourself with face masks or other defensive gear.
- Full Body Exercise: Take the stairs next time. Take a jog or brisk walk around the block. Do some abdominal crunches. Get your blood pumping, which will help strengthen both your heart and lung muscles.
- Avoid infection: Wash your hands to avoid illnesses that can be potentially hazardous to your respiratory system. Steer clear of allergy-inducing environments that may provoke allergic reactions.
- Lung work outs: Strengthening your diaphragm muscle by breathing through your belly five times a day, can help make taking breaths a little easier. You can also try lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat, bringing your elbows above your head so they are touching. Take a deep breath and exhale while lowering your elbows. This exercise can help expand your lung capacity [2].
- Plant a tree: Promoting green living by planting trees, plants, or bushes, all contribute to healthier air around us.

Omega 3 fatty acids are also helpful in decreasing inflammation in airways, which translates to easier breathing. In addition, keeping your mouth and gums healthy has been linked to healthier lungs. Researchers at the State University of New York in Buffalo found patients with periodontal, or gum disease were 1 1/2 times more likely to also have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [3]. So, help your lungs do the job they were supposed to do. Take a deep breath. Your body will thank you for it.

References

1. Blood test may diagnose lung cancer, company says. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5736S720090805
Accessed on the web August 6, 2009.

2. Breathe Easier With Greater Lung Power. Readers Digest. http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/breathe-easier-with-greater-lung-power/article16076.html.
Accessed on the web August 6, 2009.

3. Breathe Easier With Greater Lung Power. Readers Digest. http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/breathe-easier-with-greater-lung-power/article16076.html.
Accessed on the web August 6, 2009.