We don’t often consider the role our lungs play in keeping us strong and well. It’s only when we experience breathing problems that we begin to appreciate how hard our lungs work for us.
The truth is that, like the rest of our body, our lungs require daily care and attention to function at their best.
Breathing feeds oxygen to the cells throughout your body. Without sufficient oxygen, people are more prone to health problems, including respiratory illnesses, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even heart disease.
If the air we breath is contaminated by more of polluted air, like cigarette smoking, or indoor air pollution, or outdoor air pollution due to automobile or industry related exhaust, then in stead of breathing much needed oxygen we end up breathing carbon monoxide. This in fact, harms our lungs and leads to many chronic noncommunicable diseases such as shortness of breath, lung cancer,
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases or COPD, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke as well as a factor for some communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
One can avoid many of these by adopting preventive measures, early on in life and continue to maintain healthy habits.
One can avoid many of these by adopting preventive measures, early on in life and continue to maintain healthy habits. To name a few, avoid cigarette smoking, minimize indoor air pollution with proper ventilation, avoiding use of solid (wood and coal) fuels and regulate air pollution to engines and vehicles.
These factors and many aspects for breathing well for better health will be discussed at the World Noncommunicable Diseases(NCD) Congress (www.Torontowncd2023.org), where scientists, care givers and policy makers from 93 countries are expected to gather at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto June 25-30, 2023. The Congress deliberates on all aspects of NCDs including basic research, preventive measures, clinical managements, application of technology and health policy. Main theme is Equitable and Sustainable Health for All.
