As a pulmonary medicine practice, we understand the importance of your lung health. Your respiratory wellness is our top priority, so we want you to live your healthiest life and breathe easier. So today, we are sharing practical steps you can take to keep your lungs stronger, healthier and more resilient.
Quit smoking.
If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do for your lungs. Smoking damages the lungs and increases the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory problems. Seek support if you need it; our pulmonologist can provide resources to help you quit successfully and improve your lung health.
Avoid air pollutants.
Keep your indoor air clean by investing in an air purifier that filters out dust, mold and other pollutants. Wear a mask while using cleaning products to avoid exposure to strong chemicals or fumes. Similarly, limit your exposure to outdoor air pollution. If the air quality is poor outside, try to stay indoors or wear a mask that filters out pollutants. If you have a job that frequently exposes you to lung irritants, be sure to wear the appropriate protective gear and limit your exposure as much as possible.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight can put extra strain on your lungs, so eating a balanced diet is key to achieving a healthy weight and improving your lung health. Regular exercise is also important; it strengthens your respiratory muscles and improves your lung capacity. Both aerobic activities (such as walking, running, dancing and swimming) and muscle-strengthening exercises (like yoga, pilates and weightlifting) can help to strengthen your lungs. Anything that gets your body moving, heart pumping and lungs working harder will improve your lung capacity, which is the amount of oxygen your lungs take in with each breath. So aim for at least 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
Get regular checkups.
Visit your pulmonologist regularly for lung health assessments. Lung disease can sometimes go undetected until it becomes serious, so it's important to keep up with your annual wellness checkups. Your doctor may also recommend additional lung screenings and tests based on your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will also keep you up-to-date with vaccinations, which can prevent infectious respiratory diseases like the flu, COVID-19, pneumonia and RSV.
Taking these steps can go a long way in protecting and improving your lung health. Remember, it's never too late to start prioritizing your respiratory wellness. If you have any concerns or need personalized advice, please reach out to us. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
About Odessa Medical Enterprises
We are the office of Dr. Khavar Dar, MD and Janette Ornelas, FNP-C, providing pulmonary, critical care and primary care to patients in Odessa, TX. At Odessa Medical Enterprises, we believe that compassion is crucial for effective treatment. Together, we consider it our mission to serve our community and beyond with the utmost care.