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Live Well: Breathe Easier
July 5, 2024

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”
How many times have you heard that? Have you thought about what it means for your lungs?
Stagnant air traps pollutants. For people with allergies and asthma, this can make breathing harder. Even healthy people can find it harder to breathe on a muggy smoggy day. Additionally, when exposed to extreme heat and humidity, your body uses extra energy just to try to stay cool.
There are a few things you can do to breathe easy during the dog days of summer.
First, check the Air Quality Health Index when you’re planning your day, and avoid over exerting yourself on days when the air quality is poor.
Second, look for ways to reduce the risks around you. Radon gas is the cause of as much as 16% of lung cancers—get your home checked! It also helps to keep your home clean and free of pollutants such as pet hair, mold, air fresheners, and dust. Change the filters on your home heating and cooling systems twice a year as well.
Third, do your part to make breathing easier for all, by staying up-to-date with vaccines, turning off your car ignition if you’re going to idle for more than 10 seconds, and talking to your kids about the dangers of smoking, vaping, and cannabis use.
For more information on lung health, visit www.lung.ca.