Dr Marcus Butler
Consultant Respiratory Physician, President, Irish Thoracic Society
Colder weather, more time indoors and increased circulation of flu and viruses mean that winter can be a challenging time for our lung health. The good news is that there are measures we can take to help protect it.
The Irish Thoracic Society is urging members of the public to ‘Show Your Lungs Some Love’ this winter by undertaking five actions to safeguard your lung health.
Action 1: Quit while you’re ahead
Smoking damages the airways within the lungs. It causes chronic cough and breathlessness, reduces quality of life and increases the risk of lung diseases. By quitting before serious damage is done, we can prevent diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma from getting worse. Visit quit.ie, text QUIT to 50100 or call 1800 201 203 for more information on available supports.
Action 2: Adopt a healthy, balanced diet
A diet of fruit, vegetables, fish, low salt and reduced trans-fats and omega-6 fatty acids will help maintain good lung health. Foods that are rich in antioxidants are particularly beneficial, such as blueberries, red cabbage, spinach and beetroot. Foods rich in magnesium — such as nuts, cereals, seeds, carrots and seafood — are also beneficial.
Foods that are rich in antioxidants are particularly
beneficial, such as blueberries, red
cabbage, spinach and beetroot.
Action 3: Undertake regular exercise
To stay healthy, engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week. Remember that any type of physical activity counts as exercise. Joining up with a friend or colleague will make it more fun and help keep you motivated over the winter months.
Action 4: Breathe in fresh air
Indoor air pollution can arise from smoking, fuel used in heating and cooking, dampness and even cleaning materials. More time spent indoors in winter means it is important to reduce indoor air pollutants that can have a detrimental effect on our lung health.
Ensure your house is well-ventilated, particularly after cooking, taking a shower or using cleaning agents. Maintain gas appliances, make sure chimneys are cleaned, install carbon monoxide alarms and test for radon.
Action 5: Get the jab
Getting vaccinated can protect you from a range of diseases and help keep your lungs healthy; this is especially important over the winter months. The flu, pneumococcal pneumonia, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough are examples of diseases that can be minimised or prevented entirely by vaccination.
Visit hse.ie for more information.
