Keeping Your Lungs Healthy

Learn how in-home care can make a difference in the lives of seniors in Sacramento, CA.

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What Are Ways to Keep the Lungs Healthy?

Rooted in science and medicine, seniors who feel better can live healthier and longer. Taking more than 6 million breaths per year, the lungs affect every aspect of our bodies and health. Preventive and lifestyle measures can help keep the lungs and seniors healthy. 

Keeping our lungs healthy is essential because our lungs are part of the respiratory system that, working together with other organs and tissues, helps us breathe. The respiratory system helps the body absorb oxygen from the air so our organs can work. It also cleans waste gases, such as carbon dioxide, from our blood. The lungs are different from most other organs in our body because their delicate tissues are directly connected to the outside environment.

6 ways to keep your lungs healthy: 

Don’t Smoke – Research has linked smoking to most lung diseases, including COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma. The toxins can damage your lungs. It increases mucus, making it more difficult for your lungs to clean themselves and irritates and inflames tissues. As a result, the airways will gradually narrow, making it more difficult to breathe. 

Avoid Exposure to Indoor Pollutants – Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer, and chronic lung diseases such as asthma. Secondhand smoke, chemicals in the home all can cause or worsen lung disease. Talk to your doctor if you are worried that something in your home may be making you sick. 

Minimize Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution – The most common air pollutants carry dangerous health effects. Air pollution triggers asthma episodes. The air quality outside can vary from day to day and sometimes is unhealthy to breathe. You can find out what the air quality is like by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) for where you live. 

Prevent Infection – The best way to avoid lung infections is to wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap and avoid touching your face. In addition, getting the recommended vaccinations and the flu shot each year are steps seniors can take to prevent infections. 

Get Regular Check-ups – Regular health check-ups help prevent diseases, even when you are feeling well. Especially true for lung disease, which sometimes goes undetected until it is serious. 

Exercise – Exercise makes your lungs and your heart stronger. Your body becomes more efficient at getting oxygen into the bloodstream and transporting it to the working muscles. Always talk to your doctor before you start or modify your exercise routine.

Age-Related Changes & COPD

COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In addition, COPD is a progressive disease that becomes increasingly severe with age.

Symptoms of COPD include

• Constant coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up mucus
• Tightness in the chest

Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in adults 65 years of age or older. The good news is that many adults can reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management.

How Comfort Keepers® can help

The compassionate, professional caregivers of Comfort Keepers can help seniors and other adults live comfortably at home. They can be of special assistance when seniors experience seasonal flu symptoms. They can provide mobility assistance, meal preparations and help with activities of daily living. Additionally, caregivers will drive clients to a scheduled vaccine and doctor appointments in the Sacramento Metro area.

We believe in Elevating the Human SpiritSM by providing our clients with practical assistance and daily moments of joy. By giving equal parts compassion, attention, and comfort, our goal is to help seniors feel independent again while promoting good health to enjoy their days.

If you have a senior loved one in Sacramento, CA, who may benefit from experienced caregivers, contact us at (916) 260-0654 to learn more about how in home care can help them stay safe and independent at home.