10/13/2025
October is Healthy Lung Month, so let’s give your lungs the spotlight they deserve. They work 24/7 to keep you alive and thriving. Now’s the perfect time to return the favor.
Here’s how to keep those breath-makers in top shape:
1. Deep Breathing Is Key: According to the American Lung Association, if practiced regularly, deep breathing can help rid the lungs of accumulated stale air, increase oxygen levels, and get your diaphragm to return to its job of helping you breathe.
2. Eat Your Way to Better Lung Health: Loading up on protein (think eggs, milk, cheese, and lean meats) keeps your respiratory muscles strong. Add plenty of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats to calm inflammation and lower your risk of conditions like COPD.
3. Get Moving: Walking, running, swimming — any movement that gets your lungs working hard makes them stronger and more efficient.
4. Ditch the Cigarette: Lung function can improve by up to 30% in just two weeks after quitting. Need help? The American Lung Association offers great resources to get you there.
5. Steer Clear of Secondhand Smoke: It’s your lungs’ worst enemy. Avoid places where people smoke.
6. Make Your Home Your Clean-Air Zone: Vacuum, dust, and use air purifiers. Cleaner air indoors means happier lungs.
7. Dodge Pollutants When You Can: Limit exposure to exhaust, chemicals, and other environmental hazards.
8. Get Regular Checkups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help catch any issues early. This is especially true for lung disease, which sometimes goes undetected until it is serious. Checkups also provide you with an opportunity to stay up to date on vaccines that offer protection against respiratory diseases, such as the flu.
Can’t get the flu vaccine from your healthcare provider? Come to Cardinal Urgent Care now, and let’s make sure you’re protected from the flu all year long. Walk right in!
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