For many of us, we focus on living a heart smart lifestyle as we age. This makes sense, as heart disease claims more than 647,000 lives in the United States every year. But the truth is that lung disease can also have a significant effect on how long we live, and how well we live. As we advance through the years, our lungs typically become weaker and less flexible. But our lifestyles can impact how much change our lungs go through.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 235,000 Americans lose their lives due to lung related illnesses each year. Because of this, lung disease is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. While not every lung disease is preventable, there are lifestyle factors that impact them. These tips may help you stay healthy and breathing free throughout your life.
- Stop smoking: The dangers of smoking are well documented, but for those that are addicted, stopping isn’t always easy. If you’re struggling to kick the habit, consider talking to your doctor about smoking cessation programs.
- Guard against infections: The risk of developing infections that jeopardize older adults, such as flu and pneumonia, can be reduced with vaccinations. The flu shot is an annual vaccine that is administered in the fall, and there are two different pneumonia vaccines that are given six to twelve months apart.
- Exercise: Moving your body on a regular basis is one of the best ways to keep your lungs healthy. By increasing your heart rate and breathing rate, you increase the capacity of your lungs to take in and transport air through your body.