Breathe Better, Live Better: Essential Respiratory Health Tips from your friendly, neighbourhood Respiratory Therapist aka Me :)

I wanted to change up this week’s blog post from my How-To projects to another topic near and dear to my heart- respiratory health and wellness. I work as an Acute Care Respiratory Therapist (RT), and I’ve seen first hand how important healthy choices and healthy lungs are to longevity and wellness. I’ve been an RT for 14 years in a variety of settings. I’ve also done extra education to be a Certified Respiratory Educator to work with people struggling with Asthma and other chronic lung conditions. 

With cold and flu season wrapping up, and allergy season just around the corner I wanted to share some knowledge and tips I use to keep my respiratory health as best as it can be. 

Prioritize Clean Air: 

Our lungs work hard every day to humidify and purify the air we breathe in. Here are some simple things you can do to help clean the air you breathe: 

• Use Air Purifiers: these help to clean and filter the air in your home, they can be purchased at any retailer- costco, london drugs etc. Air purifiers are especially important if you leave in urban areas that tend to have higher pollution levels

• Keep your home well ventilated- allow fresh air in 

• Replace your furnace filter regularly 

• Keep your home free of mold and dust the best you can 

Practice Deep Breathing Techniques: 

Deep breathing is huge for keeping us relaxed, maintaining lung volume and improved oxygen intake. It takes practice to remind yourself to deep breathe. I often find in periods of stress or anxiety I hold my breath. I coach myself to deep breathe in the morning and during times of stress. This not only helps you get through difficult times but is good for your lung health too. 

Stay Active: 

Regular exercise improves cardiopulmonary capacity (heart & Lung). It is recommended to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. 

• I try to get a 20-30 min walk in everyday- not only for exercise but for mental health. Just being outside is a huge mood lifter! 

• I also recommend weight lifting ( I lift weight about 4 times per week) and jogging. 

• Other forms of exercises like pilates and yoga are effective too. 

Basically get outside, and get moving. 

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking water is not only important for your overall health it is also very important for respiratory health. When you are dehydrated, the mucous lining in your airways thickens providing a breeding ground for pathogens and increases your risk of infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis. 

If you have a chronic lung condition, such as Asthma, if you are dehydrated then the thick mucous lining your airways creates an even bigger blockage causing your asthma symptoms to worsen. 

Being properly hydrated also helps improve your exercise tolerance and stamina. 

So, drink up! My husband always makes fun of my “big dumb cup” but I say it’s worth it if it reminds me to drink my water. So splurge on that fancy water bottle- it’s good for your health :). 

Avoid Respiratory Infections: 

This past cold and flu season has been a nasty one! We have seen a lot of very sick young people and adults with pneumonia and viral illnesses this year. Here are some simple tips to stay healthy: 

• Wash your hands

• Get your vaccines for flu and pneumonia (as recommended by a physician) 

• Avoid close contact with known sick individuals. And also, if you’re sick stay home just like we did during the pandemic. 

Listen to what your Lungs are telling you: 

If you are noticing ongoing wheezing, SOB, difficulty sleeping at night due to breathlessness speak with a healthcare professional. It’s important to get persistent symptoms investigated. 

What’s your favourite way to support your respiratory health? Let’s connect.