Lungs are an essential part of the respiratory system and sometimes it’s easy to forget to take care of our lungs. Lung disease affects millions of people worldwide. There are a few diseases that fall under the Lung disease umbrella, including
Asthma, Lung Cancer, Influenza, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Keeping your lungs healthy is a daily process. One of the easiest ways to keep your lungs healthy is to not smoke, but there are also a number of exercises that can help you condition your lungs to maintain your lung health.
Exercises for Lung Health
• On average the lung is only used to half its capacity, you can take deep breaths to fully expand the lungs.
• Count your breaths. By counting the length of a regular inhale you can extend your regular breathing by controlled exercises, increasing your breath by a second at a time.
• Maintain good posture, the lungs are soft organs; they take up as much room as they are given.
• Laugh it up. On top of being a great exercise, laughing can increase your lung capacity.
• Stay hydrated; being hydrated helps keep the mucosal lining in the lungs thin which helps it work to the best of its ability.
• Be Active. Moderately intense exercise at least three times a week can be a benefit to your health in three ways: healthier lungs, healthier heart, and more energy. Start with a brisk 20 minute walk to better cycle the air in your lungs.
Exercising your lungs is simple and something that can be practiced daily. For more information about Lung Disease; or to connect with a specialist in your area, visit American Lung Association’s Lung Helpline page http://www.lung.org/about-us/lung-helpline.html
References
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/lung-disease.html#l
http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1282236970456.html
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/lungs.html#
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/llung-disease.html#l
http://www.lung.org/your-lungs/protecting-your-lungsl
