Today is World Lung Day, a time to recognize the importance of healthy lungs and encourage people of all ages to take steps toward better respiratory health. This year’s theme is "A Lifetime of Lung Health," focusing on the importance of lung protection from childhood through older adulthood.

Keli Gemma, MSN, RN with the Noninvasive Heart and Vascular Center/Pulmonary Rehab at Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital, shares strategies for better lung health.

Our lungs work every minute of every day, yet we often don't think of them until something goes wrong. An important part of keeping our community healthy is through education and prevention. Here are steps you can take to keep your lungs functioning at their best.

Avoid tobacco smoke. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best and most important things you can do for your health, regardless of your age or how long you have smoked. Avoiding secondhand smoke is also important. Talk with your healthcare provider about resources that can help you quit, or enroll in Aultman's Give it Up tobacco cessation program at no cost.

Know your environment. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can build up inside homes and cause lung cancer. Consider testing your home for radon, particularly if you live in an area where radon levels are elevated. Also be aware of workplace exposures to dust, chemicals, fumes and other substances that can affect lung health.

Know when you should be screened. Lung cancer screening is not recommended for everyone. People ages 50 – 80 who meet the following screening criteria may benefit from annual low-dose CT screening:

• Have a 20-pack-year smoking history. A pack-year is used to describe how many cigarettes you have smoked in your lifetime, with a pack equal to 20 cigarettes. If you have smoked a pack a day for the last 20 years, or two packs a day for the last 10 years, you have 20 pack-years.
• Currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years.

Talk with your healthcare provider to determine whether screening is appropriate for you.

Stay physically active. Regular physical activity helps improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the muscles involved in breathing and improve your body's ability to use oxygen efficiently.

Aim for regular movement throughout the week, such as walking, biking, swimming or other activities you enjoy. If you have a chronic lung condition, or are not used to exercising, talk with your healthcare provider about an appropriate activity level.

Be alert to symptoms. It is important to listen to your lungs and know when something isn't right. Symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing up blood should never be ignored.

This World Lung Day, take a moment to breathe deeply, protect your lungs and encourage someone you care about to do the same. Healthy lungs are an important part of a healthy life – and every breath matters.