Tips for Better Respiratory and Lung Health''

In an effort to bring lung health issues to the attention of the public, The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has designated October 21-27, 2007, as Respiratory Care Week and Wednesday, October 24 as Lung Health Day. Draeger Medical, Inc. is a Corporate Partner of AARC and, in conjunction with this event, has prepared "7 Tips for Better Respiratory and Lung Health." These tips are written as common-sense guidelines for good lung health and are not meant to be a substitute for regular checkups and consultation with physicians.

1. Don't smoke and do keep away from other respiratory irritants.

As one of the Surgeon General's Warnings on cigarette packs states: "Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, And May Complicate Pregnancy." If you do smoke, quit. Quitting can help improve lung function considerably in as little as six weeks.1

2. Do eat & drink right.

Eat fruits and veggies, especially tomatoes. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants like Vitamins A, C and E, and health professionals agree that it's best to get them from your food rather than from supplements. Staying away from processed foods in general is good for your lungs and your overall health. British researchers found that people who ate tomatoes (or tomato sauce, etc.) three times a week had improved lung function and experienced less "wheeziness" and fewer asthma-like symptoms.2,3

Drink plenty of water or other nutritious fluids (unless otherwise directed). When we breathe, our lungs lose moisture. So we need to stay hydrated.

Cut back on eating cured meats. In adults 45 years and older, frequent consumption of cured meats was associated with decreased lung function and increased risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).4

Drinking wine, particularly white wine, both in the recent past and over your lifetime, seems to help your lungs. But don't overdo it.2

3. Do make your home a safe place to breathe.

Keep your house free from clutter (this can attract dust and irritants). Vacuum and dust regularly. If you have forced air ductwork in your house, make sure you have it professionally cleaned to remove dust and mold.

Wash and replace sheets and pillowcases to help prevent dust mites from getting into your lungs.

Read the ingredients on household cleansers, and if the instructions tell you to use in a well-ventilated space, do so.2

4. Don't expose your lungs to harmful environments.

Avoid going outside during high pollen count, high ozone, or on very windy days when there is a high level of dust and blowing irritants.

Don't frequent places where there is secondhand smoke or irritants. Secondhand smoke can cause premature death and disease, and there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.5

5. Do breathe correctly.

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. The nose is designed as a filter and temperature regulator. The mouth lets everything into your lungs.2

Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs from the bottom up. This is called diaphragmatic breathing and it requires less effort to take in each breath.2

6. Do exercise.

Exercise makes your heart beat faster. Do such things as climbing stairs, riding a bike or walking briskly. This is important to keep your heart and lungs in good shape. Studies find that walking about 15 minutes three to four times a day improves breathing in people with emphysema.2,6

7. Do be an optimist.

Harvard researchers followed 670 men with an average age of 63 years for eight years and found those who were more optimistic had much better lung function and a slower rate of lung function decline than the pessimists in the bunch.7

The AARC celebrates National Respiratory Care Week each year to honor and thank respiratory care professionals for their contributions, demonstrate the value of respiratory care professionals in all healthcare settings, promote respiratory health in the workplace and the community, increase awareness of lung health issues in all environments and educate prospective students about career opportunities and the growth of the profession.

Toni Rodriquez RRT Ed. D, AARC's current President, said, "The AARC applauds the efforts of Draeger to increase awareness of lung disease and to promote lung health as part of RC Week."

Draeger is currently celebrating 100 years of ventilation technology. In 1907, the company introduced Pulmotor, the first-ever mobile, short-term respirator. 2007 also marks the 100-year anniversary of Draeger in the United States. As part of its ongoing celebration of these milestones, Draeger Medical will showcase an original Pulmotor alongside its latest respiratory care devices at the annual AARC Respiratory Congress in Orlando, Fla., December 1-4, 2007.

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